What Role Does Religion Play in the Drama “Mother Courage and Her Children?”

Answer

What role does religion play in the drama “Mother Courage and Her Children?” [NU: 2019]

In “Mother Courage and Her Children” (1941), Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) shows that religion is often used as a tool in war. Religion does not bring peace. Instead, it supports killing, business, and survival. The story shows how faith is confused by war.

Religion Used in War Songs: During a Catholic attack, the Chaplain and the Cook sing the holy hymn, 

“A mighty fortress is our God.”

But the hymn is sung while soldiers fight and kill. Mother Courage even says, 

“The trouble with Poland is the Poles.”

The holy words lose meaning. Brecht shows how religion is misused to justify war.

Religion and the Chaplain: The Chaplain travels with Mother Courage. He prays, but he also eats, drinks, and depends on her wagon. He talks about God but supports the Protestant army. When Swiss Cheese is caught, the Chaplain cannot save him. His words of faith are powerless. Brecht shows religion as weak during real suffering. Religion cannot stop bullets or executions.

Religion and Irony in War: Religion is shown with irony. Swiss Cheese, an honest Protestant paymaster, is killed by Catholics. Kattrin, a mute girl, is attacked by soldiers, though she is innocent. Yvette sings,

“Scarce seventeen was I when

The foe came to our land”. 

This shows how war destroys women. Religion should protect the weak, but it fails. Instead of saving people, religion stands beside war.

In “Mother Courage and Her Children”, religion does not bring hope. It is used in war songs, it fails through the Chaplain, and it stands silent when innocents die. Brecht uses religion to show hypocrisy. Faith becomes a mask for violence. The play proves that war destroys even the holy.