Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of World Languages and Literatures
First Advisor
Franz Langhammer
Term of Graduation
Winter 1985
Date of Publication
2-14-1985
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.) in German
Department
World Languages and Literatures
Language
English
Subjects
Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956) -- Ethics, Bible -- Influence
DOI
10.15760/etd.5319
Physical Description
1 online resource (3, 111 pages)
Abstract
This thesis presents evidence which supports Bertolt Brecht's oft-quoted statement that the Bible was the book which exerted the greatest influence upon his writings. While Brecht's early works, Die Bibel (1913), and Die Dreigroschenoper (1928), serve as the main examples, there are also references to biblical allusions from a number of his other writings and some of his poetry. There is general information on Brecht's religious background and on his extensive biblical knowledge which enabled him to use the Bible as one of his principal sources. Brecht's manner of usage and adaptation of religious and biblical material to suit his purposes is noted. As well, a consideration of the views and findings of a number of critics and writers with an interest in Brecht both as an individual and as a writer and poet, provides a degree of clarification of Brecht's approach to the Bible. Included too is some detail which could posit the Bible as a possible catalyst in Brecht's examination of Marxism as a viable alternative to religion in meeting the needs and aspirations of mankind and of society.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/19465
Recommended Citation
Baker, Clara Martha, "Bertolt Brecht and the Bible" (1985). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 3436.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.5319
Comments
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