Poor Children

Mother Courage's poor children are the truly direct victims of the war. Their death are related to their characteristics, and the background force the tragedy happen. Eilif, her oldest son, is a brave person, but he died because he wants to show his heriocal spirit in a wrong time. Swiss Cheese is a frank person, but he is kind of fatuous which kills him eventually. Kattrin, the mute daughter is kind and sympathetic, but her action disobeyed the aggressor's plan, so she is dead as well. Another reason for them to die is Mother Courage's attiutute towards the war. When Eilif was recruited, she was busy bargaining. Swiss Cheese was in danger, but she didn't rescue him because she doesn't want to lose anything in business. Kattrin is an significant figure in the play, even though she is mute, she speaks out what those normal person doesn't say, "to be kind". She teaches people what to do, and she opposes the belief that small potatoes are useless in war. She is my favourite role in the play.