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Introduction & Overview of Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht

This Study Guide consists of approximately 51 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Mother Courage and Her Children.
This section contains 378 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)
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Mother Courage and Her Children Introduction

First produced in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1939, Bertolt Brecht' s Mother Courage and Her Children is considered by many to be among the playwright's best work and one of the most powerful anti-war dramas in history. The play is based on two works by Hans Jacob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen: his 1669 novel, Simplicissimus and his 1670 play, Courage: An Adventuress. Many critics believe Mother Courage to be the masterwork of Brecht's concept of Epic Theater. This dramatic subgenre, pioneered by Brecht sought to present theatre that could be viewed with complete detachment. Through such techniques as short, self-contained scenes that prevent cathartic climax, songs and card slogans that interrupts and explains forthcoming action, and detached acting that wards off audience identification—techniques that came to be known as "alienation effects"—the playwright sought to present a cerebral theatrical experience unmarred by emotional judgement. Brecht wanted audiences to think critically and objectively about...
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This section contains 378 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)
Purchase our Mother Courage and Her Children Study Guide
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Mother Courage and Her Children from BookRags and Gale's For Students Series. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.
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