Unit 1 Play: The Resistible rise of Arturo Ui -Plot Prologue: Plot: The Announcer appears in front of the curtain, which has hung on it various notices

import vegetables. “You didn’t need to come. The answer is no. Your proposition stinks of rotten fish.” Butcher states that they haven’t “come here for a purpose” and goes on to remind Dogsborough of the days when he “operated the lunchroom” in one of their establishments. Butcher introduces reverse psychology into the scene, reminding Dogsborough of how he “left” the Trust to devote his talents to the welfare of the city, possibly in hope of arousing some remorse in Dogsborough. Butcher then offers Dogsborough “the major share of stock in Sheet’s shipyard” for “less than half its value”, illustrating the Trust’s esteem for his integrity in the face of their “stupid” request for a city loan. Dogsborough is at first suspicious, but ultimately accepts the major share in the shipyard when he is assured that “it’s got no strings attached.”Subplot: Sign appears: By way of winning President Hindenburg’s sympathy for their cause, the Junkers make him a present of a land estate. This illustrates the intended parallel between Hindenburg’s relationship with the Junkers and Dogsborough’s relationship with the Cauliflower Trust.Scene 3: Plot: Arturo Ui and his lieutenant, Ernesto Roma, accompanied by bodyguards are listening to the racing news on the radio in the Bookmaker’s office on 122nd Street. Ui is depressed about the fact that he’s being forgotten by the city folk. Due to Ui’s depressed state, the gang’s “morale is low”. Roma suggests that they start a protection racket, visiting grocery stores and burning the vegetables, then offering the gang’s protection to the store owners a few days later, for a “suitable percentage on their sales.” However, Ui refuses to do so until he has a judge in his pocket. Ui hears of the Trust’s accomplishment in getting the recommendation for the loan from Dogsborough. Ragg, a member of the press, enters and mocks Ui as a “fast-declining star of second magnitude.” Ragg is threatened and quickly leaves. Roma explains that the reason the press treat Ui “like dirt” is because of his “long silence.” Ui dismisses this comment and turns his attention to waiting for Giri and Bowl, Sheet’s long-time serving accountant until a week prior to this meeting, when Dogsborough fired him, having taken over the shipyard. Ui states that Dogsborough sponsoring the loan to the Cauliflower Trust is “corrupt”, as he was once a member of the Trust himself. Ui sees this as an opportunity to get back into really big business, if Bowl will testify to what he’s revealed.Subplot: Sign appears: In the Autumn of 1932, Adolf Hitler’s party and private army are threatened with bankruptcy and disintegration. To save the situation Hitler tries desperately to have him appointed Chancellor, but for a long time Hindenburg refuses to see him. This demonstrates the intended parallel drawn by Brecht between Ui and Hitler. Scene 4: Plot: Dogsborough and his son are in their country house. Dogsborough expresses repentance at having accepted the Trust’s gift of this country estate and the misuse of the loan. “I should never have accepted this estate.” He fears an investigation may be carried out. “Last night the City Council decided to investigate the Cauliflower Trust’s projected docks.” Ui and accomplices force their way in, wanting Dogsborough’s support in getting a protection deal with the Trust. “And so I’ve come to ask you …to put a word in with the Precinct when necessary.” Ui attempts to blackmail Dogsborough with his knowledge of Dogsborough’s involvement with the Cauliflower Trust and the misuse of their loan. “I’m going to expose you. I’ve got the proofs…Sheet’s shipyard- that’s you.” Despite Ui’s attempts, Dogsborough refuses. Ui states that with or without Dogsborough’s help, he will “break into the green goods business yet.” Two councillors enter to confirm that there will indeed be an investigation, yet confirmed the faith they had in Dogsborough. “But the majority resolved to clear your name of suspicion, shouted: Dogsborough’s more than a name. It stands for more than a man. It’s an institution.”Subplot: Sign appears: In January 1933 Hindenburg appoints Hitler Chancellor in return for a promise to prevent the exposure of the Osthilfe scandal, in which Hindenburg himself is implicated. The Dock aid scandal was intended by Brecht to parallel this Osthilfe scandal, in which Hindenburg, paralleled by Dogsborough, accepted a gift of land as a bribe from the Junkers, paralleled by the Trust. Hitler used his knowledge of this to blackmail Hindenburg, just as Ui does to Dogsborough.Throughout the play, Brecht makes a point of clearly pointing out to the audience, the parallels between Arturo’s underhanded methods to climb to power, and that of Hitler. This way, the way in which Hitler was able to come to power and wreak so much devastation is made perfectly clear to Brecht’s audience.Scene 5: Plot: Several members of the Trust sit across from Dogsborough, “who is as white as a sheet”, O’Casey, Gaffles and Goodwill –councillors- in City Hall. Reporters are also present. The inquiry is commencing about the whereabouts of the missing loan and the construction of the docks that the loan was intended to fund. The sound of newsboys is heard, and the news of Sheet’s murder is told. Ui appears representing Dogsborough, and states his case, blaming the deceased Sheet for the misuse of the City loan. “Sheet’s suicide was plainly the consequence of Sheet’s embezzlement.” Bowl is called, by O’Casey, as a witness, to prove that the real owner of the shipyard is Dogsborough, who is keeping it hidden. On receiving a signal from one of Ui’s bodyguards, Bowl is shot outside the door.Subplot: Sign appears: After coming to power legally, Hitler surprises his high patrons by extremely violent measures, but keeps his promises. This once again highlights the intended parallel, drawn by Brecht between Hitler and Ui.Scene 6: Plot: In Ui’s suite, at his Headquarters, the Hotel Mammoth, a ragged actor is lead to Ui by two bodyguards while Givola waits in the background. To improve his image, and rise to power more easily, Ui takes lessons from a classical Actor in speechmaking, movement and posture.Subplot: The Actor appears to be rather pretentious. This was intentional, as Brecht wished to exaggerate and mock such a character, in this play. Sign appears: The gang leader quickly transforms himself into a statesman. He is believed to have taken lessons in declamation and bearing from one Basil, a provincial actor.Scene 7: Plot: Ui, accompanied by his gang, is being listened to by a number of small vegetable dealers in the Offices of the Cauliflower Trust. Dogsborough, unwell, sits beside Ui while Clark waits in the background. Ui makes a somewhat pretentious speech, supported by Dogsborough and Clark, asking the small greengrocers for voluntary contributions as “If protection were free of charge, then yes, we’d be all for it.” The tradesmen seem unconvinced. “Nothing’s wrong in my place.” Roma quietly suggests to Ui that the warehouse of one of the objectors should be burnt down, to instil in the dealers that their businesses require protection from Ui. Before this actually takes place, the gangsters bring in the supposed widow of the assassinated Bowl, and take u a “collection” for her.Subplot: Sign appears: In February 1933, the Reichstag fire occurs. Hitler accuses his enemies of instigating the fire and gives the signal for the Night of the Long Knives. Here, the link between the events of the play and historical events from the time of Hitler’s rise to power is once again highlighted by Brecht.Scene 8a: Plot: The Warehouse trial. Fish, an unemployed worker, is accused of starting the fire. He appears to have been drugged, “He stands, swaying.” Giri gives evidence against Fish, showing no respect for the court or truth. “There sits the criminal who lit the fire! When I challenged him, he was walking down the street clutching a gasoline can to his chest.” Scene 8b: Plot: The owner of the warehouse, Hook, tries to give evidence against the gangsters. “Are you aware, Mr Hook, that Mr Giri lives in the former shipyard and consequently has access to the premises?”Scene 8c: Plot: During blackout, it’s evident that Hook is threatened by the gangsters, by his return to stage “in a state of collapse, with a cane beside him and bandages over his head and eyes,” and consequently retracts the previous statement supported by him that the warehouse is connected to the former shipyard. Scene 8d: Plot: Fish is identified as the arsonist by Dockdaisy, the woman who pretended to be the widow of Bowl. She links him with Bowl’s death. “My sister-in-law has informed me that he was seen outside City Hall on the afternoon my husband was shot while entering City Hall.”Scene 8e: Plot: Givola, a gangster, mocks the evidence stating that the gasoline cans were carried out of the Cauliflower Trust’s offices by members of Ui’s gang. “It’s out of the question. It’s not in his character to start fires. He’s a baritone.”Scene 8f: Plot: Fish starts to recover and is drugged again. The Judge has obviously been threatened by the gangsters, as he denies the defences request to examine the ‘water’. “exchanging glances with the prosecution: Motion denied.”Scene 8g: Plot: Fish is found “guilty of arson” and sentenced to “fifteen years hard labour.”Subplot: Sign appears: The Supreme Court in Leipzig condemns an unemployed worker to death for causing the fire. The real incendiaries are dismissed, innocent. Brecht once again emphasises the suggested link between the situation in the play and the historical events, through the use of this sign. Brecht’s use of signs in between scenes reinforces the true meaning of this play. It reminds the audience that the story being shown is not fictional, but a reconstruction of Hitler’s illegal actions, which consequently gained him power.Scene 9: Plot: A woman clambers out of a shot-up truck and staggers forward on a street in Cicero. The woman accuses Ui of murdering her husband. “I know who’s behind it, Ui! Raging: Fiend! Monster! Shit!” She is ignored by those she is appealing to. She is shot by a burst of raging machine-gun fire.Scene 9b: Plot: Dogsborough is sat in his country house, writing his will and confession. In this will and confession, he accuses the gangsters of their misdeeds, and admits his involvement with them, and of his knowledge of the murders that occurred. “All this your honest Dogsborough knew. All this he tolerated out of sordid lust for gain, and fear of forfeiting your trust.”Scene 10: Plot: Ui, Givola and bodyguards are in Ui’s suite at the mammoth hotel. The gangsters are forging a will, in which Dogsborough distributes the various positions of authority between them. Quarrels begin about who should be appointed as what, and it escalates until several accusations are made. “What? Police chief? Him? Roma? You must be crazy…The bastard can’t be trusted.” Roma and his bodyguards pull guns on Givola and Giri.  Announcing new plans, and ordering them to trust him that “Everything is running smooth as silk.” Giri and Givola exit. Ui informs Roma of his plans to start up protection rackets in other towns including Cicero.  Roma suspects that the Trust, with support from Giri and Givola, are plotting to exclude Ui and Roma from the Cicero business by exposing Ui in Dogsborough’s will. “You mean this plan of moving in on Cicero didn’t start with you at all, but with the Trust? Arturo, now I see it all. I see their rotten game…They want the Cicero connection.” Ui and Roma decide to assassinate the conspirators. “To the hospital we’ll take him- and deliver him to the morgue.” Ui prepares the speech that he’ll deliver to Roma’s men.Subplot: Signs appear: The impending death of the aged Hindenburg provokes bitter struggles in the Nazi camp. The Junkers (East Prussia) and industrialists demand Rohm’s removal. The occupation of Austria is planned.Scene 11: Plot: Roma and young Inna in the Garage. In the background, gunmen wait for orders. Roma and his men wait for Ui so that they, as a single unit, can plan the killings of the conspirators. Roma is prepared to risk his life for Ui. “If its suicide it is let it be suicide! Hell! Eighteen years of friendship!” Ui enters with Givola. Roma’s bodyguard and, subsequently Roma himself, are killed. Ui exits to go to the conspirators and the Trust. “I’ll be at Dogsborough’s country house tonight.”Subplot: Sign appears: On the night of 30th June 1934 Hitler overpowers his friend Rohm at an inn where Rohm has been waiting for him. Up to the last moment, Rohm thinks that Hitler is coming to arrange a joint strike against Hindenburg and Goring.Scene 12: Plot: Ignatius Dullfeet and Betty Dullfeet enter Givola’s flower shop.Betty is ready to be won over to a merger by the Trust and Ui, and Ignatius agrees to stop his newspapers anti-gangster policy, bringing Ui and Dullfeet to an amiable understanding. “Mr Dullfeet, your decision honours you. It will redound to Cicero’s welfare. A meeting between such men as you and me can only be auspicious.”Subplot: Sign appears: Under compulsion the Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss agrees to stop the attacks on Hitler that have been appearing in the Austrian press. This illustrates the parallel drawn by Brecht between the agreement made by Ui and Dullfeet, and the accord reached by Hitler and Dollfuss.Scene 13: Plot: Cicero funeral chapel. Dismissing their agreement, Ui arranges Dullfeet’s murder. He’s is so murdered and buried with great solemnity. He had kept silent but not spoken out in their favour. Outside the chapel, Ui tries to convince Betty of his innocence. “It was the same with Dullfeet. He mistook my warm, my open-hearted offer of friendship for calculation and my generosity for weakness.” Betty refuses his offer of friendship and doesn’t trust him. She refuses to have any business dealings with him and proclaims, “From this protector God protect us!”Subplot: Sign appears: Dollfuss is murdered at Hitler’s instigation, but Hitler goes on negotiating with Austrian rightist circles.Scene 14: Plot: Ui’s tossing in his bed at the Mammoth Hotel, plagued by a nightmare. In his sleep, Ui is haunted by the ghost of Roma. “in his sleep: Out, bloody shades! Have pity! Get you gone!” The ghost warns Ui that, since he has betrayed, he will so be betrayed. “In striking me, you struck yourself, Arturo!” Ui awakes and orders his bodyguards to shoot at the ghost, which then disappears. “Shoot! Kill him! Traitor! Get back to the dead!”Scene 15: Plot: Vegetable dealers meet in the financial district. All of them appear pale. In their discussions they deny to take responsibility in any form for Ui’s rise to power, and wish someone else to challenge him and his immoral, unscrupulous ways. Clark announces a merger between the Trust and the vegetable trade of Cicero. “The wholesale house of I. Dullfeet, Cicero, has joined The Cauliflower Trust.” Betty Dullfeet advises the tradesman to “put your trust in Mr Ui.” A shot is heard as one man leaves. The tradesmen decide to support Ui, and Ui in turn, proclaims the imminent conquest of many cities. “For Chicago and Cicero are not alone in clamouring for protection. There are other cities: Washington and Milwaukee! Detroit! Toledo! Pittsburgh! Cincinnati! And other towns where vegetables are traded! Philadelphia! Columbus! Charleston! And New York!”Subplot: Sign appears: On 11th March 1938 Hitler marches into Austria. An election under the Nazi terror results in a 98% vote for Hitler. Brecht’s epilogue states that such men can gain power at any time if we fail to act against them. It emphasises the fact that we must all be forever vigilant in ensuring that life and breath are not given to those such as Hitler, or indeed Arturo Ui. The signs shown throughout this play are a constant method of emphasising the parallel between Arturo Ui and Hitler. They also indicate parallels between other characters and historical figures that aided Hitler in his rise to leadership, or simply played a significant role in his climb to power.  They describe events in history in Germany, that parallel the events taking place in the play at anyone time.