The small town is unforgiving. It keeps an eye on everyone, spies on everyone. It constantly prys into other people’s affairs. Visitors, artists, outsiders, and all manner of „misfits” are under particular attack. Anyone who stands out from the local community in any way. If, on top of that, they are labeled a thief, murderer, debauchee, or some other kind of degenerate, there is no escape. Their fate is sealed and they are condemned to endless torment, regardless of the truth or falsehood of their judgment. (Orfeo)