Mother Courage and Her Children

Viac o knihe

This Student Edition of Brecht's anti-war masterpiece includes a comprehensive introduction and commentary featuring a plot summary, context, themes, characters, style, language, study questions, and notes on specific words and phrases. It serves as an ideal resource for theatre and literature students. Set during the Thirty Years War of the seventeenth century, the narrative follows Mother Courage as she traverses Europe, selling provisions and liquor from her canteen wagon. Over the years 1624 to 1646, she endures the loss of her children to the war yet remains steadfast, clinging to her livelihood—the wagon. This play exemplifies Epic Theatre and Brecht's alienation effect, emphasizing the broader issues rather than individual characters. It is celebrated as one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century and a significant anti-war work. The 1949 Berlin production, featuring Helene Weigel as Mother Courage, established the Berliner Ensemble. This edition also includes expert notes on Brecht's life and work, historical and political context, stage production photographs, and a glossary of challenging terms. The translation by Brecht scholar John Willett has been instrumental in making Brecht's work accessible in English.