41 pages • 1 hour read
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154
Play • Fiction
Europe • 1600s
1939
Adult
18+ years
Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht follows Anna Fierling, known as Mother Courage, and her three children as they navigate the hardships of the Thirty Years War in seventeenth-century Europe. Operating a rolling canteen business, Mother Courage attempts to profit from the war while striving to keep her children safe. Over twelve years and twelve scenes, the family encounters various challenges and tragedies, ultimately leaving Mother Courage poor, childless, and alone as she continues her journey with her canteen wagon. The book contains scenes depicting violence, torture, and sexual assault, including the trauma experienced by Kattrin.
Gritty
Dark
Challenging
Contemplative
Emotional
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Reviews of Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children praise its profound anti-war message and powerful depiction of human resilience. Critics commend the compelling characterization of Mother Courage and Brecht's innovative use of epic theater techniques. However, some find its didactic style and emotional detachment challenging. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, if demanding, masterpiece.
Readers who appreciate thought-provoking political and social commentary in literature would enjoy Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht. Fans of Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World, who enjoy exploring themes of war, survival, and the human condition, will be particularly drawn to Brecht's work.
21,603 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eilif
Mother Courage’s oldest son, who follows in his father's military footsteps, valuing personal glory in battle despite the risks and controversies tied to his actions.
Swiss Cheese
Mother Courage’s younger son, whose honesty and loyalty find him a responsible position within the war effort yet also result in several naive missteps due to his straightforward nature.
Kattrin
The silent daughter of Mother Courage, who communicates non-verbally and works alongside her mother, facing unique perils as a young woman in a wartime environment.
The Chaplain
A religious figure who navigates the war’s shifting allegiances and moral ambiguities, serving as a reminder of the conflict’s religious undertones while often prioritizing self-preservation.
154
Play • Fiction
Europe • 1600s
1939
Adult
18+ years
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