Reviews for Mother Courage and Her Children

The average rating for Mother Courage and Her Children based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-05-25 00:00:00 Brenda Soto 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.

Review # 2 was written on 2014-07-24 00:00:00 Ronald Shockley We read Mother Courage in school, and I didn't like it. I thought it was exaggerated, even from the perspective of the raging wars that Brecht could refer to. Which parents would sacrifice their children first? And now I sadly have to announce that I understand Mother Courage. The generation born immediately after the Second World War seems to have forgotten or maybe never known the longterm effects of irresponsible egocentrism, and they are happily sacrificing a whole planet to keep their prestige and their riches and their "revenge" if anybody dares insulting their fragile egos. If you recognise any particular world leader in this description, it is pure coincidence. The Mother Courages of our times are legion. And they don't have the excuse that they are starving or in danger themselves. They are just in their narcissistic bubbles, and want to live their lives safely inside. Après eux, le déluge. Or the bonfire. Quite literally both. Brecht, I hate when you are right.