The Sociology Of Drama And Theatre: A Study Of George Bernard Shaw's "Mrs. Warren's Profession" And Bertholt Brecht's "The Good Woman Of Setzuan"

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22 pages in length. Fictional literature serves a tremendous service as a vehicle for invented storylines that provide frivolous entertainment and often do not remain within the realm of real life; however, there is another side of imaginary tales that are not light-hearted fluff with little substance. Those from the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Bertholt Brecht depict true issues of social importance that strive to illustrate the complicated underpinning of humanity's quest for survival. Shaw's Mrs. Warren's Profession and Brecht's The Good Woman of Setzuan bring forth two social concerns that have long plagued society: gender and money. Shaw's portrayal of women's status in Victorian England provides a significantly better understanding of employment opportunities and working conditions, using a female protagonist whose refusal to limit herself to this stereotypical lot in life spawns a vocational choice worthy of both applause and disdain. Brecht's central character struggles with maintaining forthright character amidst the challenges of good and evil in a society where money equates to her innate goodness. She learns it is not enough to be good in one's heart but not have the social resources to achieve an outward demonstration of that goodness. Bibliography lists 15 sources.