VIDEO: Characterization of the Wilhelm Tell figures

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Wilhelm Tell - summary

Remember: The drama premiered in 1804. It was created under the impact of the French Revolution. In “Wilhelm Tell” you will not only find individual passages that remind you of what happened in France. Criticism and the search for alternative solutions have also been processed. The different figures illustrate the different positions.

  • The setting is Switzerland. The inhabitants of the play lived independently and freely for centuries and only recognized the emperor as supreme lord, that is, they enjoyed imperial immediacy. The Austrian Habsburgs want to change this and try to disregard the old feudal relationships and integrate Switzerland into their centralistically governed state.
  • The residents of the Landes are resisting this. Hermann Gessler, who was appointed imperial bailiff by the Habsburgs, rules them with arbitrariness and violence. As you read the drama, you will find that he clashes with William Tell, who, like many others, wants to defend his homeland.

Characterization of the main character

  1. The main character is Wilhelm Tell. He lives peacefully and independently with his wife and sons in his own house, is a porter, ferryman and an excellent archer. Wilhelm Tell is described as a man of action who takes good care of himself and his family: "The ax in the house saves the carpenter." Elevator, 1. Scene)
  2. Please note: Despite its independence, Tell has a strong sense of justice. He helps the oppressed compatriots when necessary. Already in the opening scene he supports the refugee Baumgarten in his escape by driving him across the lake.
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  3. But consider: he does not participate in the political conspiracy of the other residents from the Swiss cantons. They meet for the Rütli oath, which you can read about in the second scene of the second act. Only when Vogt Gessler forces him to shoot an apple from the head of his own son with a bow does the good-natured and withdrawn private citizen Tell seek revenge. He kills Gessler.

Function of other characters

  1. Swiss citizens: under the leadership of Werner Stauffacher, Walter Fürst and Arnold von Melchtal, compatriots defend themselves against foreign rule. Notice the many references to the French Revolution. For example, the Rütli oath is reminiscent of the Ballhaus oath: "A border has tyrannical power." Elevator, 2. Scene)
  2. Note, however, that the characters in the scene reject the bloody events in France. They are not interested in overturning all previous values, but in restoring their old freedom: “We want to preserve the old rights. Do not reach out unrestrainedly for the new. Whoever has a master, serve him dutifully. "
  3. Habsburgs: Hermann Gessler, the imperial bailiff, embodies foreign rule. He rules over people arbitrarily and makes nonsensical laws. His cruelty culminates in the apple scene in which he forces Tell to shoot his own son.
  4. Aristocracy: At the characterization of the local nobility, you can see their disagreement. While the old Freiherr von Attinghausen is on the side of the people and respects their rights, his nephew Rudenz orientates himself towards Austria and wants to ally himself with the Habsburgs. The nobility appears to be outdated. Remember: He is not represented at the Rütli-Bund: "What does the nobleman need? Let’s complete it alone. "(1. Elevator, 4. Scene)
  5. Women: When characterizing women, you should keep in mind that the characters in the play are exclusively men, which corresponds to the understanding of their roles at the time. The women act as advisors in the background, but this is where they play an important role. Gertrud, Werner Stauffacher's wife, first encourages her husband to stand up against the arbitrary rule. And Rudenz, too, was convinced by his adored Berta von Bruneck not to work with the Habsburgs.
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