How we cite our quotes: (Scene, Line numbers)
Quote #1
MOTHER COURAGE: Courage is the name they gave me because I was scared of going broke, sergeant, so I drove me cart right through the bombardment of Riga with fifty loaves of bread aboard. They were going mouldy, it was high time, hadn't any choice really. (I, 75-79)
You'd think someone named "Courage" would try to live up to her calling. But here Mother Courage makes it obvious that it's not a name she chose for herself. Even when she seems to be valiant, she's really in it for the money. That is one of the first reasons why Mother Courage is not your typical war hero.
Quote #2
SERGEANT: Oh, you'd like war to eat the pips but spit out the apple? It's to fatten up your kids, but you won't invest in it. Got to look after itself, eh? (I, 199-201)
The sergeant might be onto something, here. A contradiction is at the heart of Mother Courage's obsession with making money off the war while insisting that her children remain out of harm's way. Her story suggests you can't have that cake and eat it, too. (So to speak.)
Quote #3
RECRUITER has taken Eilif by the arm and is leading him away up stage: Ten florins bounty money, then you're a gallant fellow fighting for the king and women'll be after you like flies. (I, 323-325)
Like flies, you say? How tempting. The army first tries to recruit Eilif by injuring his pride, when the recruiter calls him a "chicken" (I, 161), and then turns to promises of wealth and women. Joining the army is sold not just as a livelihood, but also as a way to acquire prestige.