The Good Person Of Szechwan

Brecht's dark, dazzling worldview makes an absolutely devastating impact. The play is fueled by the brilliant perception that everyone requires such a dual or split personality to survive. Three gods come to earth hoping to discover one really good person. No one can be found until they meet Shen Te, a prostitute with a heart of gold. Rewarded by the gods, she gives up her profession and buys a tobacco shop but finds it impossible to survive as a good person in a corrupt world without the support of her ruthless alter ego, Shui Ta. Brecht's parable of good and evil was first performed in 1943 and remains one of his most popular and frequently produced plays worldwide. This Student Edition features an extensive introduction and commentary that includes a plot summary, discussion of the context, themes, characters, style and language, as well as questions for further study and notes on words and phrases in the text. It is the perfect edition for students of theatre and literature.