Concept of Goodness in Brecht’s the Good Woman of Setzuan

Abstract

The paper seeks to explore how the concept of goodness is problem atized in Brecht’s play The Good woman of Setzuan and studies various complications and contradictions that are linked with seemingly innocent concept. The paper attempts to study the dilemma at the heart of this concept of goodness which is benevolent, sacrificing, hence often self destroying. The paper explores these issues mainly through the study of the character of Shen Te The character of Shen te has to split into two antithetical personalities for self preservation which ironically also seem self- destruction. Apart from the fact that goodness makes it difficult for the good person to survive, another significant aspect of the issue further problematizes and complicates the idea of goodness. Goodness does not serve the purpose of goodness. It does not breed or promote goodness rather ruins it, and promotes evil and cunningness. It encourages indifference, coldness and selfishness in those who are helped by her. Goodness in the play comes out as a kind of aesthetic pleasure indulged in. the audience realizes the contradictions at the heart of the idea of goodness. The audience are forced to question traditional attitude towards goodness and ask how good ‘good’ is.