How we cite our quotes: (Scene, Line numbers)
Quote #4
MOTHER COURAGE: They'll never beat him, and why, his men got faith in him. Seriously: To go by what the big shots say, they're waging war for almighty God and in the name of everything that's good and lovely. But look closer, they ain't so silly, they're waging it for what they can get. Else little folk like me wouldn't be in it at all. (III, 212-217)
For Mother Courage, there seems to be a kind of agreement between the lower classes, people she calls "little folk like me," and the "big shots," the ones who wage wars. The big shots wage war for a profit, and the little folk will join anything just so long as they get their cut. "War of faith"? Think again.
Quote #5
MOTHER COURAGE: […] As a rule you can say victory and defeat both come expensive to us ordinary folk. Best thing for us is when politics get bogged down solid. (III, 347-349)
Yeah, being "ordinary" is never fun. Even if the lower classes are only in the war to get their piece of the profits, according to Mother Courage, they're still in a lose-lose situation. If they win or are defeated, that spells the end of their livelihood.
Quote #6
MOTHER COURAGE: Can't help feeling sorry for those generals and emperors, there they are maybe thinking they're doing something extra special what folk'll talk about in years to come […] I mean, he plagues hisself to death, then it all breaks down on account of ordinary folk what just wants their beer and bit of a chat, nowt higher. Finest plans get bolloxed up by the pettiness of them as should be carrying them out, because emperors can't do nowt themselves, they just counts on soldiers and people to back 'em up whatever happens, am I right? (VI, 46-50)
In Mother Courage's view, the head honchos have the say, but they don't have the power. The lower classes, the "ordinary folk" who fight and support the war, are the ones with the power to decide the outcome, but they've given up on any higher aspirations. Or maybe they haven't yet realized their power? Think about it…