The Fire Raisers by Max Frisch
A Morality Without a Moral
The play centers around a complacent businessman who, despite clear warnings and evidence, naively allows two sinister guests to move into his attic, where they steadily accumulate the means to ignite a conflagration. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the businessman's willful ignorance is an allegory for the rise of fascism and the way society can turn a blind eye to the dangers of totalitarian ideologies. The play is a darkly comedic and critical examination of moral cowardice, collective responsibility, and the consequences of inaction in the face of clear and present danger.
The 14892nd greatest book of all time
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- Published
- 1953
- Nationality
- Swiss
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 80-100
- Original Language
- German
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
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- Biedermann and the Firebugs
- The Arsonists
- The Firebugs
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 83rd on From Oedipus to The History Boys: Michael Billington's 101 greatest plays (The Guardian)
- 6527th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)