THE FIREBUGS
Eisenring and Schmitz, who are Biedermann’s guests, proclaim to his face, however, that he and his frivolous wife are paragons of charity and compassion. The gullible couple understandably become increasingly reluctant to oppose their guests, even after it becomes obvious that these strangers who intimidate as they flatter are the arsonists who’ve been terrorizing the city. Of course there is Mrs. Biedermann’s weak heart to consider, and the imposing size and strength (and virility) of ex-wrestler Schmitz, but more compelling is the Biedermanns’ desperate wish to protect their self-image as humanitarians. And so Biedermann preaches the virtue of trusting in one’s fellow man, lies to the police about the barrels in his attic, ignores the smell of gasoline that permeates his house, assists Eisenring in measuring the detonator fuse, invites his executioners to a sumptuous dinner, and even provides them with matches. Arsonists, no matter how cold-blooded, would not torch the home of their friend–would they?
