1. The Bourgeoisie: Represented by the figures in the foreground, particularly the wealthy men in suits and the woman with a fur coat, they embody the elite and privileged class. They are shown as materialistic, self-absorbed, and morally corrupt. The caricatured features emphasize their arrogance and detachment from the struggles of ordinary people.
2. The Military: The figure in the background wearing a military uniform and holding a sword symbolizes the powerful and authoritarian military establishment. It represents the lingering influence of militarism and the threat of violence in German society. The officer's rigid posture and imposing presence suggest a controlling and oppressive force.
3. The Intellectuals: The figure sitting at the table with a book, possibly a professor or a writer, represents the intellectuals and artists of the time. While seemingly engaged in thought and reflection, they are also portrayed as detached and ineffective in confronting the social and political problems of the day. Their intellectualism is presented as a form of escapism rather than a force for positive change.
By combining these three groups, Grosz criticizes the social and political structures of Weimar Germany, highlighting their hypocrisy, corruption, and ultimately, their failure to address the challenges facing the nation.