Themes

Motherhood

Mother Courage as a character questions the audience's understanding of what a Mother is, and how they should act. Mother Courage fails to protect her children, usually as a result of her placing economic advancement above the safety of her children. Her philosophy is that without money and the cart from which they do business, she would not be able to live, yet it is this action of placing the cart before her children that plays a part in their deaths. In opposition to these so-called 'unmotherly' actions, is the character of Kattrin. She is kindhearted, putting the needs of others above her own and impulsively mothers those in need such as the child whose mother has been hurt. The most notable moment being when she refuses to stop her banging on the drum in the final scene to ensure that the people of Halle are warned of the approaching enemy soldiers.

Commodification of War

Throughout the play, the audience witnesses numerous characters who make a living from the war, as their services would not be so highly regarded in 'peacetime'. Mother Courage is invaluable during wartime, selling her produce to soldiers and companies who might not be able to get these products from elsewhere. Yvette has an entire army of men with whom to tempt with her services and the Commanders and people in positions of authority are transformed from ordinary people to those with power and influence over others. These characters help show that everything is for sale during a war, and anything, even loyalty, religion, children and morals can be bought and sold for the right price.