Title: The Judge and His Hangman by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Author: Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Publish Date: 1950
Genre: Crime fiction, Psychological thriller
Page Length: Approximately 150 pages
Summary:
Infobox:
Author: Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Title: The Judge and His Hangman
Publish Date: 1950
Genre: Crime fiction, Psychological thriller
Page Length: Approximately 150 pages
The Judge and His Hangman, penned by Friedrich Dürrenmatt in 1950, is a captivating crime fiction and psychological thriller that delves into themes of justice, corruption, and personal accountability. Spanning approximately 150 pages, this novel takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through cunning investigations and complex human relationships.
Set in the small Swiss town of Bern, the story revolves around the central character, Inspector Bärlach, a seasoned detective nearing the end of his career. Despite battling a severe illness, Bärlach’s unwavering dedication drives him to pursue justice and uncover the truth behind a mysterious murder.
Chapter 1 introduces readers to the murder victim, Lieutenant Schmied, a former Nazi spy who had successfully evaded prosecution for war crimes. Bärlach suspects the involvement of a sinister figure from his past, Judge Schmied, who shares the same surname as the deceased. The detective’s suspicions deepen as he recalls an encounter during the war between himself, Judge Schmied, and Gastmann, another central character.
Chapter 2 delves into Bärlach’s past, revealing a backstory with Gastmann, a charismatic criminal mastermind whose criminal activities during the war were overlooked due to his assistance in anti-Nazi operations. The seemingly untouchable Gastmann has since risen to prominence and currently resides in the town of Bern. Bärlach, convinced of Gastmann’s guilt, hires Lieutenant Tschanz to undertake an undercover investigation of Gastmann’s activities.
Chapter 3 follows Tschanz as he infiltrates Gastmann’s world, befriending him and earning a position as his chauffeur. Tschanz’s observations and subsequent reports strengthen Bärlach’s suspicions, revealing Gastmann’s possible involvement in the murder and connections to a mysterious crime organization.
Chapter 4 marks a turning point as Tschanz becomes increasingly entwined with Gastmann’s criminal empire, eventually revealing his true identity as a police officer. Realizing the precarious situation Tschanz is in, Bärlach attempts to intervene, putting his own life at risk to protect his subordinate.
In Chapter 5, Bärlach confronts Gastmann, aiming to extract a confession and expose his crimes. Through a fiercely intellectual exchange filled with tension, Bärlach challenges Gastmann’s morality and justifications. As the confrontation reaches its climax, unexpected twists and revelations emerge, shaking the core of both characters’ beliefs.
The final section, Chapter 6, uncovers the shocking truth behind the murder, shedding light on the far-reaching corruption and conspiracies within the town of Bern. Bärlach’s relentless pursuit of justice, driven by his personal moral compass, ultimately exposes the dark underbelly of the judicial system, revealing the degree of manipulation that can occur even within the most respected institutions.
Dürrenmatt’s The Judge and His Hangman intricately weaves together themes of morality, justice, and personal responsibility, pushing readers to question the boundaries of right and wrong. Through complex characters like Bärlach and Gastmann, the novel explores the psychological depths of the human condition, exposing the consequences of decisions made in the pursuit of power or the need for redemption.
This 1950 crime fiction masterpiece serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding justice, highlighting the delicate balance between the law and personal integrity. Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s powerful writing style and skillful storytelling make The Judge and His Hangman an engaging read for those seeking a gripping tale that delves into the depths of the human psyche and the accountability of those in positions of power.