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The theater-goer in conventional dramatic theater says: Yes, I've felt that way, too. That's the way I am. That's life. That's the way it will always be. The suffering of this or that person grips me because there is no escape for him. That's great art - Everything is self-evident. I am made to cry with those who cry, and laugh with those who laugh. But the theater-goer in the epic theater says: I would never have thought that. You can't do that. That's very strange, practically unbelievable. That has to stop. The suffering of this or that person grips me because there is an escape for him. That's great art - nothing is self-evident. I am made to laugh about those who cry, and cry about those who laugh.

Bertolt Brecht#3

ArtTheaterEmpathyEmotionCritical thinkingMedia

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Epic theater breaks empathy to make audiences question reality rather than accept it.
In plain terms
Art should make you think, not just feel.
What can you take from it?
Challenge assumptions instead of confirming them.

Where it applies

  • watching film
  • attending plays
  • media consumption

Putting it to work

  • ask why stories happen
  • question narrative norms
  • discuss endings

Questions to consider

  • Do you prefer feeling or thinking in art?
  • How does distance change your view?

Another view

Some viewers prefer emotional catharsis over intellectual challenge.

More from Bertolt Brecht

  1. A man who strains himself on the stage is bound, if he is any good, to strain all the people sitting in the stalls.

    Permalink to quote #2

  2. Let nothing be called natural In an age of bloody confusion, Ordered disorder, planned caprice, And dehumanized humanity, lest all things Be held unalterable!

    Permalink to quote #4

  3. People remain what they are even if their faces fall apart.

    Permalink to quote #1

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