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Steven Godin's Reviews > Mother Courage and Her Children
Mother Courage and Her Children
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by
And if you feel your forces fading
You won't be there to share the fruits
But what is war but private trading
That deals with blood instead of boots?
Mother Courage, with cart in tow is a wheeler and a dealer, travelling across Europe during the 'Thirty Years War'(1618 � 1648) she has found a way to use the conflict for her own gains, ferociously protective of her children is she, but apart from family values, doesn't have morals for much else, and is all too happy to exploit the various regiments of battle. Her existence is under scrutiny from those around her, but her philosophy is to survive at all costs. There is an inner strength and determination that is admirable, regardless of Courage's actions. She endeavours over the years, even after losing some of her children still remains defiant.
"Sometimes I sees myself driving through hell with me cart selling brimstone, or across heaven with packed lunches for hungry souls"
Mother Courage (1939) is one of a number of plays Brecht wrote in resistance to Nazism during the invasion of Poland, and the theme of devastation and war are captured with honour and integrity, and expresses the idea that virtues are not rewarded in corrupt and difficult times.
I have to admit I have never been a big lover of reading plays, as you simply can't see the whole picture unless seen with your own eyes on stage. Having said that, within the first scene the scene is set for something epic, that had me completely engrossed. I say epic, even though it's compressed into 100 pages or so, the story spans many years, but never feels rushed or clichéd, picking out moments from her life that are at times deeply heartfelt but also scathing in detestation.
The family as a whole, including Eilif (the oldest son who goes of to war) and daughter Kattrin (who is mute), are used in the story well, where indignation is never far away. But it's Courage who takes centre stage, a woman with a spirit that will not be crushed by the onslaught of the world around her. I didn't always like Courage, but applaud her valour nonetheless. As for the ending, as in war, there are no happy ones.
You won't be there to share the fruits
But what is war but private trading
That deals with blood instead of boots?
Mother Courage, with cart in tow is a wheeler and a dealer, travelling across Europe during the 'Thirty Years War'(1618 � 1648) she has found a way to use the conflict for her own gains, ferociously protective of her children is she, but apart from family values, doesn't have morals for much else, and is all too happy to exploit the various regiments of battle. Her existence is under scrutiny from those around her, but her philosophy is to survive at all costs. There is an inner strength and determination that is admirable, regardless of Courage's actions. She endeavours over the years, even after losing some of her children still remains defiant.
"Sometimes I sees myself driving through hell with me cart selling brimstone, or across heaven with packed lunches for hungry souls"
Mother Courage (1939) is one of a number of plays Brecht wrote in resistance to Nazism during the invasion of Poland, and the theme of devastation and war are captured with honour and integrity, and expresses the idea that virtues are not rewarded in corrupt and difficult times.
I have to admit I have never been a big lover of reading plays, as you simply can't see the whole picture unless seen with your own eyes on stage. Having said that, within the first scene the scene is set for something epic, that had me completely engrossed. I say epic, even though it's compressed into 100 pages or so, the story spans many years, but never feels rushed or clichéd, picking out moments from her life that are at times deeply heartfelt but also scathing in detestation.
The family as a whole, including Eilif (the oldest son who goes of to war) and daughter Kattrin (who is mute), are used in the story well, where indignation is never far away. But it's Courage who takes centre stage, a woman with a spirit that will not be crushed by the onslaught of the world around her. I didn't always like Courage, but applaud her valour nonetheless. As for the ending, as in war, there are no happy ones.
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Jean-Marc wrote: "Hi Steven, I am sure you would also like "The Good Person of Szechwan" & "The ThreepennyOpera", Both are really good."
Thanks for pointing those out Jean-Marc, hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Perfect review of a book I've been planning far too long to read, Steven. Thank you for reminding me of its existence through your delectable analysis!
Scarlett wrote: "Perfect review of a book I've been planning far too long to read, Steven. Thank you for reminding me of its existence through your delectable analysis!"Glad to be of service!, it's a worthy read, Scarlett.
Great one, Steven! Thanks for reminding me of the word power of Brecht. Mutter Courage was required reading in my high school, and one of the few we all took a horrified liking to.
Thanks Lisa, should still be in schools now to give kids a reality check!
Opera", Both are really good.