Life of Galileo by Bertolt Brecht – Kitab Mahal

Life of Galileo is a play by Bertolt Brecht that tells the story of the famous scientist Galileo Galilei. It explores his scientific discoveries, including the development of the telescope and his support of the Copernican theory, which argued that the Earth revolved around the Sun. The play also delves into Galileo's internal conflict and the clash between scientific progress and the Catholic Church's authority. Brecht’s work highlights the social and political pressures that influence scientific inquiry, and the moral compromises Galileo makes in the face of persecution.

Key Points

1. Plot: The play chronicles Galileo’s life, focusing on his struggle to defend his scientific discoveries against the dogma of the Catholic Church.
2. Themes: It explores themes of scientific integrity, the conflict between knowledge and power, the role of the individual in society, and the moral compromises one makes in the face of authority.
3. Galileo’s Character: Galileo is portrayed as a complex figure—brilliant but flawed—struggling with the consequences of his discoveries and the ethical implications of his actions.
4. Brechtian Techniques: Brecht uses his signature Verfremdungseffekt (alienation effect) to encourage the audience to critically engage with the play's themes rather than becoming emotionally absorbed.
5. Critical Studies: Life of Galileo is considered one of Brecht’s most important works, offering profound insights into the relationship between science, politics, and morality.

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Writer                 ✤     Bertolt Brecht 

Publishers           ✤    Kitab Mahal (Pvt) Ltd , KM