"Biedermann and the Arsonists," a play by Max Frisch, explores themes of complacency and complicity in the face of evil. The story centers on Gottlieb Biedermann, a businessman who represents the average citizen. He is approached by two arsonists who seek shelter in his home, and instead of confronting them or informing the authorities, Biedermann chooses to ignore their intentions, believing he can maintain control over the situation.
Throughout the play, Biedermann’s refusal to acknowledge the obvious threat posed by the arsonists symbolizes the tendency of people to overlook or rationalize dangerous situations. His polite and accommodating nature leads him to make excuses for their increasingly alarming behavior, revealing a disturbing willingness to turn a blind eye to impending disaster.
The play serves as a critique of societal tendencies to prioritize personal comfort over moral responsibility. It illustrates how ordinary individuals, in their quest for a peaceful life, can inadvertently enable malevolence, raising important questions about moral choice and the consequences of inaction in the face of wrongdoing.