Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht

Click on the flashcard to see the answer



Who wrote 'Mother Courage and Her Children'?

The play 'Mother Courage and Her Children' was written by Bertolt Brecht.

What is the main theme of 'Mother Courage and Her Children'?

The main theme of 'Mother Courage and Her Children' is the brutality and futility of war.

In which war is 'Mother Courage and Her Children' set?

'Mother Courage and Her Children' is set during the Thirty Years' War.

What is the protagonist’s real name in 'Mother Courage and Her Children'?

The protagonist’s real name is Anna Fierling, known as Mother Courage.

What does Mother Courage sell from her cart?

Mother Courage sells goods like food, drink, and clothing to soldiers from her cart.

How does Brecht use the character of Kattrin in the play?

Kattrin represents innocence and the civilian victims of war; she remains mute throughout the play.

Describe Brecht's concept of Epic Theatre as seen in 'Mother Courage'.

Epic Theatre aims to provoke rational thought rather than emotional involvement, often using techniques like breaking the fourth wall.

What role does the use of songs play in 'Mother Courage and Her Children'?

Songs in the play are used to provide commentary and contrast on the action and themes.

How does Mother Courage's character reflect Brecht's views on capitalism?

Mother Courage’s pursuit of profit during war critiques how capitalism can dehumanize and prioritize profit over morality.

What dramatic style is 'Mother Courage and Her Children' primarily associated with?

The play is primarily associated with the dramatic style of Epic Theatre.

What kind of relationship does Mother Courage have with her children?

Mother Courage’s relationship with her children is complex, as her actions often prioritize profit over their safety.

What is the significance of the play’s setting in the Thirty Years' War?

The Thirty Years' War symbolizes the cyclical and senseless nature of conflict, enhancing the anti-war message.

Name one technique Brecht uses to prevent emotional attachment to characters.

Brecht uses the Verfremdungseffekt, or alienation effect, to prevent the audience from becoming emotionally attached to the characters.

How does Mother Courage react to the deaths of her children?

Mother Courage is initially distraught by each child’s death but quickly returns to her business, showcasing her survival instincts.

What message does Brecht convey about war through Mother Courage’s fate?

Brecht conveys that war profits those like Mother Courage temporarily, but ultimately, it consumes and destroys them.




Test Your Knowledge

Select the correct option


1. Who wrote 'Mother Courage and Her Children'?

Jean-Paul Sartre

Bertolt Brecht

Arthur Miller

Henrik Ibsen

2. What is the main theme of 'Mother Courage and Her Children'?

The brutality and futility of war

The potential for redemption

The journey from rags to riches

The triumph of love

3. In which war is 'Mother Courage and Her Children' set?

World War I

The Napoleonic Wars

The Thirty Years' War

The American Civil War

4. What is the protagonist’s real name in 'Mother Courage and Her Children'?

Anna Fierling

Grete Bauer

Heidi Wurst

Frieda Kraus

5. What does Mother Courage sell from her cart?

Weapons

Jewelry

Goods like food, drink, and clothing

Books

6. How does Brecht use the character of Kattrin in the play?

Kattrin represents innocence and the civilian victims of war

Kattrin is a symbol of betrayal and deceit

Kattrin serves as a comedic relief

Kattrin embodies the spirit of democracy

7. Describe Brecht's concept of Epic Theatre as seen in 'Mother Courage'.

Epic Theatre focuses on grand scenic designs and high drama

Epic Theatre encourages emotional involvement through intense drama

Epic Theatre aims to provoke rational thought rather than emotional involvement

Epic Theatre utilizes melodramatic storytelling to engage audiences

8. What role does the use of songs play in 'Mother Courage and Her Children'?

Songs are used to provide commentary and contrast on the action and themes

Songs introduce subplots unrelated to the main story

Songs are included purely for entertainment purposes

Songs serve to deepen emotional connections to the characters

9. How does Mother Courage's character reflect Brecht's views on capitalism?

Her pursuit of profit during war critiques how capitalism can dehumanize and prioritize profit over morality

She demonstrates how capitalism leads to excess wealth for all participants

Her actions show the potential of capitalism to foster community generosity

She symbolizes the ideal success of capitalism as depicted in utopian society

10. What dramatic style is 'Mother Courage and Her Children' primarily associated with?

Epic Theatre

Realism

Expressionism

Absurdism

11. What kind of relationship does Mother Courage have with her children?

Loving and supportive

Strictly authoritarian and distant

Casual and indifferent

Complex, as she often prioritizes profit over their safety

12. What is the significance of the play’s setting in the Thirty Years' War?

It symbolizes the cyclical and senseless nature of conflict

It highlights the clear-cut victory of one side over the other

It represents an isolated historical period with little real-world relevance

It showcases the peak of economic prosperity

13. Name one technique Brecht uses to prevent emotional attachment to characters.

Verfremdungseffekt, or alienation effect

The minimalist set design

Soundtrack of classic orchestral music

Protagonist's narrated backstory

14. How does Mother Courage react to the deaths of her children?

She is initially distraught but quickly returns to her business

She gives up her cart and mourns for the rest of her life

She organizes a rebellion against the war leaders

She embarks on a spiritual quest for answers

15. What message does Brecht convey about war through Mother Courage’s fate?

War profits those like Mother Courage temporarily, but ultimately it consumes and destroys them

War always results in clear victories for the morally righteous

War leads to eternal prosperity for all generals and soldiers involved

War offers endless opportunities for personal and moral growth