The bark-beetle has invaded the big forest of the general, just as a fatal illness has into the body of its owner. The general is suffering from eye cataract, preventing him from seeing the symptoms of the trees' decline, just as he is unable to see his own rottening. His wife and the writer discuss these circumstances for two scenes, until the general discovers the fact himself in the third one. Now he is going to take appropriate action.

Ever since Rappelkopf was once deceived by a con man, he has become the epitome of a suspicious, stubborn misanthrope and a family nuisance. His wife and daughter, as well as his servants, suffer from his bad moods, accusations, and insinuations. The kind, alpine mountain spirit Astragalus, the King of the Alps, wants to rescue the grumpy man from his constant discontent and misanthropy. He promises to remedy his situation and makes Rappelkopf an offer he cannot refuse: he is to become his alter ego, to slip into another, better form. In the guise of his brother-in-law, the tyrant is to visit his family to convince himself of their loyalty and love. The King of the Alps, in turn, wants to appear as Rappelkopf, the living mirror of the true family despot, in order to morally purify him through self-knowledge.