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Definition of Motif
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Motifs
Explanation and Analysis—Wandering:
Mother Courage, as a traveling merchant, has to be in constant motion because, if she wants a profit, she must follow her customer base. However, always being on the move is difficult. She depends on something that inherently brings destruction, subjects herself to the dangers of the war, and braves the weather changes. Her wandering nature also shows her flexible moral principles. It makes no difference to her whether she takes gold from Protestants or Catholics, heroes or villains, friends or enemies.
Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis:
There are many songs scattered throughout the play. The usage of songs seems to be a light and whimsical choice in a play about death and war. These songs use rhyme and playful rhythms, but they still tackle dark issues related to the rest of the play. Like in a musical, the act of the characters bursting into song is unrealistic, but unlike in a musical, the play provides no escapism. The moments of music are just bizarre, not uplifting.
In Scene 1, Mother Courage sets the tone of the play by singing a song about the role commerce plays in terms of fueling the war effort:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Your men will walk till they are dead, sir,
But cannot fight unless they eat.
The blood they spill for you is red, sir,
What fires that blood is my red meat.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Verfremdungseffekt:
Brecht calls his strange tactics to make the audience aware that his plays are works of fiction "Verfremdungseffekt," which is otherwise known as the "distancing effect." He uses plot-spoiling stage directions, out-of-character dialogue, and stylistic discordance to deprive the audience of the illusion that what they witness on the stage is “real.” Brecht believed that preventing his audience from suspending disbelief would make them more likely to engage with the underlying meaning of a play.
An example of this technique is the couplet that ends Scene 1:
Unlock with LitCharts A+SERGEANT (looking after them):
When a war gives you all that you earn
One day it may claim something in return!
Related Themes:
Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Meat:
Meat and starvation are recurring motifs throughout the play. The war has made supplies scant, especially meat. In Scene 2, the Cook and Mother Courage haggle aggressively over a capon (a capon is a castrated rooster). Mother Courage charges a high price for the capon because she knows that the Cook is desperate to serve quality meat to the military commander. His livelihood depends on it, so he pays full price for the bird. His decision demonstrates the high value of meat.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Verfremdungseffekt:
Brecht calls his strange tactics to make the audience aware that his plays are works of fiction "Verfremdungseffekt," which is otherwise known as the "distancing effect." He uses plot-spoiling stage directions, out-of-character dialogue, and stylistic discordance to deprive the audience of the illusion that what they witness on the stage is “real.” Brecht believed that preventing his audience from suspending disbelief would make them more likely to engage with the underlying meaning of a play.
An example of this technique is the couplet that ends Scene 1:
Unlock with LitCharts A+SERGEANT (looking after them):
When a war gives you all that you earn
One day it may claim something in return!
Related Themes:
