The story of Mother Courage and Her Children is one of progressive ruin in the face of war and it's devastating consequence. As each of Courage's children leave or die, the burden placed upon her is augmented. By the end of Brecht's tale, Mother Courage is forced to, quite literally, carry her burdens on her own.
As a director, a proper approach to the script would take this progression into account. To exemplify the corrosion of Mother Courage's world, and the expansion of her burden, attention must be drawn to the wagon, the primary symbol of Courage's hope and her duty. A possible approach to the symbolism of the wagon would be to increase its size from the beginning of the play to the end. By the final scene, Courage would be pulling a far larger burden, both literally and figuratively than at the beginning of her journey.
Another dramaturgical element to be accounted for is that of music. Narrative songs of both hope and despair permeate the play, and are integral to its structure and rhythm. Action on stage should not cease during the songs, but continue as normal. As they are sung, sheets should be folded, knives sharpened and other daily tasks completed, thus changing the songs from capricious acts of artistry, to a necessary expression of powerful emotion.
As is exemplified in Courage's mute and mutilated daughter, Kattrin, the fruits of war have their consequence. Though Courage subsists on the ravages of war, it is the same conflict that ultimately destroys all that she loves. It is this irony that presents an inspiring challenge both dramaturgically and directorially.
Mother Courage It's always important to be touched. ... But it doesn't seem to reach Mother Courage on this level. ... If so Mother Courage's actions don't exactly fit the bill. ... We are not meant to hate Mother Courage entirely. ... Mother Courage's purpose is to make us think. ...
By definition, a "hero" refers to a person who noted for special achievement in a particular field, endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods . ... Mother Teresa was born in Skopje in a catholic family. ... Mother Teresa whole life has worked for god. ... She had the courage to live in India, took care of the people with illness, washed the babies who were full of dirt, and cleaned the wounds of the babies. ... As I have mentioned before, a hero was a person who noted for special achievement, endowed with great courage and enthusiasm, he...
The ending of Mother Courage sees Mother Courage pulling the wagon alone, after all her children have been killed by the war. ... In Mother Courage the set is stark and plain. ... Although in scene eleven we are told that, "Mother Courage loses a daughter and trudges on alone" (80) and Mother Courage does not carry the cart off alone until scene twelve. ... The main themes of Mother Courage are that of using the war as business, capitulation and virtues. ... The play ends with Mother Courage dragging the wagon off the stage by herself. ...
Courage is not those heroic acts we see watching superman nor is it those muscle bound men with super strength. ... I remember when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer my family and I were in total shock. We had no warning of this dramatic news, it seemed our family was being stripped of our mother. ... We found strength and courage in each other to get through that terrifying experience. ... Upon returning to his mother, she asked him "what did you say to the man?" ...
Courage When courage is looked up in the dictionary it is defined as "The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, self-sacrifice, confidence, and resolution; bravery." ... This took courage. ... Elizabeth Proctor: wife of john proctor and mother of three sons. ... He also proved courage by self-sacrifice, his life, and bravery to not say a word. ... Jealousy and selfishness are not associated with courage at all. ...
It is often called America's first great war novel, yet Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage is more than just a tale about the civil war. ... The Red Badge of Courage traces the steps and major events in the life of Henry Fleming, focusing mainly on his evolution into manhood. ... Henry, hardened and experienced by the war, grows and matures, finally learning the true meaning of courage. Henry is introduced as he prepares to enlist in the Union army, leaving his mother and their farm home behind. The young Henry Fleming lives a secluded and protected life seen by his mother&#...
I feel that everyday I am reminded of what the word courage means to me and the way I live. ... All though many of us would not think of something like this as courage I feel that it is a form of courage because even though she wanted her husband to come home she stayed strong and supported what he was doing away from home. ... About ten years ago my parents divorced and obviously they moved into separate houses and my sister and I went to live with my mother. ... This is a form of courage that we don't get to see all of the time, he showed his mother that he was there for her and mad...
"The Red Badge of Courage" is a tale of value, honor, conflicted motivations, and a crisis of purpose and meaning. ... Henry saw his mother as the Greek matriarch who would charge him to "return(ing) with his shield or on it." But instead, Henry's mother gave him a reality check. ... He was scared and terrified of the sight that he saw in front of him, the mangled bodies displaying red badges of courage. ... Yet Henry also realizes that he does not need a red badge of courage to show honor in battle. ...
In the novel, "The Kite Runner," the theme of bravery and courage is evident. ... Amir shows courage and goes to see Rahim. ... Hassan's courage and bravery enables him to stay loyal. ... Another way that Hassan shows courage and bravery is when Assef confronts and forces him to give Amir's kite but Hassan shows courage by not giving it. ... Baba does not want Amir to know that he cheated on his mother. ...
