Hermann

Hermann is the closest thing the play has to a protagonist, embodying the theme of assimilation and its limitations for European Jews in the early 20th century. At the beginning of the play, Hermann is presented as a wealthy Jewish businessman who has converted to Christianity, married a Catholic woman, Gretl, and strives to integrate into the upper ranks of Viennese society. He believes that success, cultural participation, and intermarriage can protect his family from antisemitism, epitomized by his commission of a portrait of Gretl by Gustav Klimt—a symbol of his aspirations to be fully accepted by Austrian high society. Hermann’s confrontation with Fritz, however, marks the beginning of his realization that his efforts at assimilation are fragile. During a card game, Fritz insults Hermann with an antisemitic remark, and when Hermann challenges him to a duel, Fritz refuses, stating that his regiment forbids dueling a...