Brecht's Principles of Dramatic Construction

Brecht’s Principles of Dramatic Construction emphasize making the audience think critically rather than emotional immersion. He believed plays should highlight social issues, encouraging viewers to analyze and question societal norms. Typically, this involves techniques like "Verfremdung" (distancing), which prevents emotional identification, and episodic structure, breaking the story into thought-provoking scenes. Characters are often complex and act as representatives of ideas, not just individuals. The goal is to promote awareness and inspire change, rather than purely entertain. Overall, Brecht aimed to craft theater that challenges audiences to reflect critically on real-world issues.