Mother Courage and Her Children

Definition

Mother Courage and Her Children is a play written by Bertolt Brecht in 1939 that tells the story of a canteen-wagon-driving woman named Mother Courage who tries to profit from the Thirty Years' War while simultaneously struggling to protect her children. The play serves as a critique of war and capitalism, emphasizing how these forces exploit individuals, and it illustrates the concepts of alienation and social responsibility central to Brecht's theories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The character of Mother Courage is often seen as a symbol of the futility of trying to profit from war while attempting to protect one’s family.
2. The play is structured in twelve scenes that illustrate different aspects of war, showcasing its brutal impact on individuals and society as a whole.
3. Brecht's use of music throughout the play serves to disrupt the narrative flow, reinforcing the message rather than evoking sympathy for the characters.
4. The ending of the play leaves the audience with an unsettling feeling, as Mother Courage loses all her children, highlighting the destructive nature of war.
5. Brecht wrote Mother Courage during his exile from Germany, influenced by his experiences of World War II and the rise of fascism in Europe.

Review Questions

• How does Mother Courage’s character embody the struggles faced by individuals during wartime?
  • Mother Courage embodies the struggles faced by individuals during wartime by representing the conflict between survival and moral integrity. She attempts to maintain her livelihood by selling supplies to soldiers, yet this very pursuit leads to her ultimate loss, demonstrating how war compels people into morally ambiguous choices. Her relentless efforts to protect her children while simultaneously profiting from their involvement in war reflect the harsh realities that many face in similar situations.
• Analyze how Brecht uses music in Mother Courage and Her Children to convey social and political messages.
  • Brecht employs music in Mother Courage as a tool to challenge emotional engagement and provoke critical thinking among audiences. Instead of reinforcing the narrative, songs often interrupt scenes, offering commentary on the actions and consequences within the story. This technique encourages viewers to reflect on the social injustices depicted in the play, ultimately prompting them to consider their own roles in societal issues rather than becoming lost in emotional identification with characters.
• Evaluate the impact of Mother Courage’s loss at the end of the play on Brecht's overall message regarding war and capitalism.
  • The impact of Mother Courage's losses at the end of the play reinforces Brecht's critique of both war and capitalism. Her tragic fate illustrates how both systems exploit individuals for their gain, leaving them destitute and powerless. This stark conclusion serves as a powerful reminder that personal sacrifices made in pursuit of profit during wartime can lead to devastating consequences, urging audiences to reconsider their complicity in such systems and fostering a desire for social change.

Related terms

Brechtian Theatre: A style of theater developed by Bertolt Brecht that seeks to provoke critical thought in the audience rather than emotional identification with characters.

Verfremdungseffekt: A technique used by Brecht that aims to create a sense of distance between the audience and the performance, encouraging spectators to think critically about what they are watching.

Epic Theater:

A form of theater developed by Brecht that emphasizes narrative over dramatic action, aiming to engage the audience in social and political critique.