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The Good Woman of Setzuan Study Guide

by Bertolt Brecht

The Good Woman of Setzuan study guide contains a biography of Bertolt Brecht, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

The play begins with a monologue by Wong, the water seller. He explains to the audience that he has heard that a few of the highest-ranking gods are on their way to the city of Setzuan. They have heard the people of the world complaining about life, so they are coming to deal with it. He is waiting at the gate of the city to greet them when they arrive. Soon, the three gods appear and Wong recognizes them immediately. He tries to find them a place to stay, but everyone keeps rejecting them. Finally, Shen Te the prostitute agrees. Before they leave the next morning, she asks them how to live a good life and still make ends meet; they have no answers. She complains to them that she cannot afford to live, so after conferring with each other…

Read the full The Good Woman of Setzuan Summary

• The Good Woman of Setzuan Summary
• About The Good Woman of Setzuan
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Prologue
• Summary and Analysis of Scenes 1, 1a, and 2
• Summary and Analysis of Scenes 3 and 3a
• Summary and Analysis of Scenes 4, 4a, 5, and 5a
• Summary and Analysis of Scenes 6 and 6a
• Summary and Analysis of Scenes 7, 7a, and 8
• Summary and Analysis of Scenes 9, 9a, 10, and Epilogue
• Different Spellings
• Related Links on The Good Woman of Setzuan
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Good Woman of Setzuan: Major Themes
• The Good Woman of Setzuan: Essays
• The Good Woman of Setzuan: Questions
• The Good Woman of Setzuan: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Bertolt Brecht: Biography