Song of Fraternization

After leafing through the play a second time, I found the "Song of Fraternization" to be the most intriguing. I think Yvette's song is probably the most involved, and could probably be put as a seperate story all by itself. It's a good story and it fits nicely in with Kattrin's character. I also think Prof. Newby put it nicely by calling her a "Woman of Convenience."

First of all, Yvette's story can be easily compared to Kattrin's, making the morals and warnings all the more possible. Yvette claims she followed the army around, offering a certain service to those that needed it. How is Kattrin much different? She is forced to also follow the army around the world, also offering services, albeit not the same kind of service.

Mother Courage is not helping the situation either. She starts the play off by tossing her daughters purity and innocence out the window by claiming she's being courted by the Lieutenant. So, even before we get to hear the "Song of Fraternization," Mother Courage is not setting a great example, despite the fact she is incredible at her job as a mother.

But, right after Yvette leaves from singing her touching and heart-warming tale, what does Kattrin do? She takes the prostitute's "garbs" and prances around all over the place in a camp full of deprived men. Mother Courage at least does the decent thing and takes her out of the situation.

What other comparisons or differences did you guys think of for this song?