Brecht
Bertolt Brecht uses epic theatre as a way of presenting his political views and agitating for change.
One of the major reasons that Bertolt Brecht is so well known is the fact that he uses his plays as a means of presenting his political views, and uses epic theatre to agitate change. In "Foreign Literature- Part 2" Illiford (1987), Brecht is described as a: "son of his time. He lived and fought in a definite society, in definite historico-social conditions. He penetrated this society in context of his works." This statements' nature can be seen in the plays "The Threepenny Opera" (3PO) and "Mother Courage and her Children." (MC), which both display Brecht's rich political views throughout. In MC Brecht puts forward the idea that our society is structured in a way that does not allow good people to exist, in 3PO Brecht criticizes the concept of social classes and in both- religious institutions are criticised. Brecht wrote the plays in this manner because he did not merely wish to entertain the audience and let them leave the theatre with a mere feeling of "pathos" (with an emotional journey that ends as the audience leaves the theatre), Brecht's goal was to cause the audience to look at the bigger picture and question society- so that they may go on to play a part in it's bettering. This is the goal that all of Brecht's play share.
In MC Brecht puts forward the political message that our society does not allow good people to exist. This can be seen in the character of Swiss Cheese and his constant comparisons with Jesus Christ. The audience feels a great amount of regret for Swiss Cheese- because his kind nature is truly revealed right before his death in his manner of treatment to Kattrin.
"[Kattrin points to a tree]
Swiss Cheese: Aye, the leaves are turning yellow.
[Kattrin asks by gestures if he wants a drink]
Swiss Cheese: Don't want no drink."
This causal act of kindness is a great...
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