Describe the Situation That Leads Kattrin to Death

Answer

Describe the situation that leads Kattrin to death. 

In Bertolt Brecht’s (1898-1956) “Mother Courage and Her Children” (1939), Kattrin’s death is a tragic and powerful moment that highlights her courage and selflessness. The situation that leads to her death occurs in Scene 11. By this time, Kattrin, who cannot speak due to the trauma of war, becomes the only hope for saving a village from an unexpected attack.

Kattrin’s Bold Decision: Kattrin and her mother are near a farmhouse when they hear that a group of soldiers is planning to attack the nearby town of Halle. The town’s watchman is dead, so no one in the city knows that the soldiers are coming. When Kattrin hears that the city’s children are in danger, she takes drastic action. Without saying a word, she climbs onto the farmhouse’s roof and starts beating a drum to warn the townspeople of the attack.

A Sacrifice for Innocence: Despite the peasants begging her to stop and the soldiers threatening her life, Kattrin refuses to give up. She drums louder and louder, knowing it is the only way to save innocent lives. As she drums, she laughs, showing her defiance against the violence of war.

The Lieutenant tells Kattrin he will shoot her and lies that the townspeople can’t hear her drum. Kattrin doesn’t stop. The soldiers bring the gun, set it up, and fire. She falls over dead. The barbaric Lieutenant comments:

So that ends the noise,

Kattrin dies, but her sacrifice is not in vain— the town is alerted. The cannons and alarm bells sound in the distance. One of the soldiers remarks, “She [Kattrin] made it.” Kattrin sacrifices herself and stops the attack.

In short, Kattrin’s bravery contrasts with the selfishness of those around her. Her actions make her the true hero of the play.