48 pages • 1 hour read
The Good Woman Of Setzuan
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Book Brief
136
Play • Fiction
Setzuan • 20th Century
1943
Adult
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
In The Good Woman of Setzuan, Shen Te, a kind-hearted prostitute in Setzuan, is visited by three gods seeking a good person. After showing her goodness by housing them, they reward her, and she buys a tobacco shop. Struggling with exploitation, she creates a harsher alter ego, Shui Ta, to protect her interests, raising questions about maintaining goodness in a capitalist society. Topics include exploitation and economic hardship.
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
12,353 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Good Woman of Setzuan by Bertolt Brecht is a thought-provoking play praised for its critique of societal morals and capitalism. Reviewers commend its striking blend of fable and political commentary. Some find the narrative disjointed, and its characters more symbolic than relatable. Overall, it's celebrated for challenging audiences to reflect on ethical complexities.
Who Should Read The Good Woman Of Setzuan?
A reader who would enjoy The Good Woman of Setzuan by Bertolt Brecht is someone interested in socially conscious literature and enjoys thought-provoking plays like Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett or The Crucible by Arthur Miller. They appreciate narratives that challenge societal norms and explore moral dilemmas.
12,353 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
136
Play • Fiction
Setzuan • 20th Century
1943
Adult
15-18 years
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