Think about it. Now, where would the military be without uniforms? The military is known for being a highly disciplined and hierarchical institution, and that reality is nearly always present in the world of Mother Courage. After all, playing by wartime rules is the essence of Mother Courage's business plan. The social order established by the ever-present war is what makes life possible for Mother Courage as well as for her friends. Disobedience is not an option. If we don't understand that backstory, then we can't really grasp the significance of Kattrin's final act of sacrifice. She might not stop the war forever, but she is the only one who believes in taking a stand against this world of order and rules created by the war.
Questions About Rules and Order
- Is Kattrin's self-sacrificial heroism an act of sedition?
- What is the connection between orderliness and social class in Mother Courage?
- To what extent is Mother Courage's business a rebellious act?
- What is the relationship between military orderliness and religious faith in Mother Courage?
Chew on This
The tension between militaristic obedience and sedition is a central theme in Mother Courage.
Mother Courage remains critical of war and society but acknowledges the necessity of survival, resulting in her ethos of playing by the rules.