'What Has Happened?' by Bertolt Brecht
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The industrialist is having his aeroplane serviced.
The priest is wondering what he said in his sermon eight weeks ago
about tithes.
The generals are putting on civvies and looking like bank clerks.
Public officials are getting friendly.
The policeman points out the way to the man in the cloth cap.
The landlord comes to see whether the water supply is working.
The journalists write the word People with capital letters.
The singers sing at the opera for nothing.
Ships' captains check the food in the crew's galley,
Car owners get in beside their chauffeurs.
Doctors sue the insurance companies.
Scholars show their discoveries and hide their decorations.
Farmers deliver potatoes to the barracks.
The revolution has won its first battle:
That's what has happened.
Editor 1 Interpretation
What Has Happened? by Bertolt Brecht
Introduction
"What Has Happened?" is a poem written by Bertolt Brecht, a renowned German poet, playwright, and theater director. The poem was first published in 1930 in a collection of poems titled "A Manual of Piety."
Brecht was known for his innovative style of writing that challenged the traditional forms of poetry and theater. He was a proponent of the Marxist ideology and his works often reflected his political beliefs.
"What Has Happened?" is a short, yet powerful poem that speaks to the struggles of the working class and the need for change in society. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of the poem.
Themes
One of the main themes of "What Has Happened?" is the struggle of the working class. The poem opens with the lines, "The earth has shaken off its old dust, / What has happened to the people?" These lines suggest a feeling of unrest and upheaval in society.
Brecht goes on to describe the plight of the working class, who are oppressed and exploited by the ruling class. He writes, "The masters still own everything, / And the workers go hungry." These lines highlight the economic inequality that exists in society and the need for social change.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of revolution. Brecht writes, "The people have woken up, / And they are moving forward." These lines suggest that the working class is rising up against their oppressors and demanding change.
The poem also touches on the theme of hope. Despite the struggles of the working class, there is a sense of optimism that things can improve. Brecht writes, "The people are saying: / There must be a change!" These lines suggest that the working class is not willing to accept their situation and are willing to fight for a better future.
Literary Devices
Brecht employs a number of literary devices in "What Has Happened?" to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices used is repetition. The phrase "What has happened to the people?" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the sense of confusion and chaos in society.
The use of imagery is also prominent in the poem. Brecht describes the earth shaking off its old dust, which is a metaphor for the need for change. He also uses imagery to describe the struggle of the working class, writing, "The masters still own everything, / And the workers go hungry." This image highlights the economic inequality that exists in society.
Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The people are a symbol for the working class, who are rising up against their oppressors. The phrase "There must be a change!" is also symbolic of the need for revolution and social change.
Historical Context
"What Has Happened?" was written during a time of great social and political upheaval in Germany. The Weimar Republic, which was established after World War I, was facing economic and political instability.
Brecht was a Marxist and believed in the need for a socialist revolution. His works often reflected his political beliefs and "What Has Happened?" is no exception.
The poem was written during the Great Depression, which led to widespread unemployment and economic hardship. The working class was struggling to make ends meet, while the ruling class continued to prosper.
In this context, Brecht's poem can be seen as a call to action for the working class to rise up against their oppressors and demand social change.
Conclusion
"What Has Happened?" is a powerful poem that speaks to the struggles of the working class and the need for social change. Brecht employs a number of literary devices to convey his message, including repetition, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem was written during a time of great social and political upheaval in Germany and reflects Brecht's Marxist beliefs. Despite the economic inequality and oppression that exists in society, there is a sense of hope and optimism that things can improve.
"What Has Happened?" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message of social and economic justice is as relevant now as it was when it was first written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Has Happened? A Classic Poem by Bertolt Brecht
Bertolt Brecht, the German poet, playwright, and theatre director, is known for his revolutionary approach to theatre and literature. His works often reflect his political beliefs and his desire to expose the injustices of society. One of his most famous poems, "What Has Happened?" is a powerful commentary on the aftermath of war and the human cost of conflict.
The poem was written in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. Brecht was living in exile in Denmark at the time, having fled Germany due to his opposition to the Nazi regime. The poem is a response to the growing tensions in Europe and the fear of another devastating war.
The poem begins with a simple question: "What has happened to the world?" This question is repeated throughout the poem, each time with a different answer. The first answer is "Nothing much." This may seem like a dismissive response, but it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Brecht is suggesting that the world has become so accustomed to war and violence that it no longer registers as anything out of the ordinary.
The second answer to the question is "A great many things." This is a more ominous response, suggesting that there have been significant changes in the world, but they are not necessarily positive. Brecht goes on to describe the destruction and devastation caused by war, painting a vivid picture of the horrors that soldiers and civilians alike must endure.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, with Brecht questioning the very nature of humanity. He asks, "What has happened to man?" and suggests that we have lost our way. We have become so focused on power and wealth that we have forgotten what it means to be human. Brecht's critique of capitalism and the pursuit of profit at the expense of human life is a recurring theme in his work.
The final answer to the question "What has happened?" is perhaps the most poignant. Brecht simply states, "I don't know." This admission of ignorance is a powerful statement in itself. It suggests that the world has become so complex and chaotic that even the most astute observers cannot fully comprehend it. It also highlights the need for humility and a recognition of our own limitations.
Throughout the poem, Brecht uses simple language and repetition to drive home his message. The poem is deceptively simple, but its impact is profound. Brecht's use of rhetorical questions and his refusal to provide easy answers forces the reader to confront the difficult realities of war and human nature.
"What Has Happened?" is a timeless poem that remains relevant today. Its message is as urgent now as it was when it was written over 80 years ago. The poem reminds us that war and violence have a human cost, and that we must never become complacent in the face of injustice. Brecht's call for a more humane and just society is one that we should all take to heart.
In conclusion, "What Has Happened?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to confront the difficult realities of war and human nature. Brecht's use of simple language and repetition makes the poem accessible to all, while his message remains as urgent today as it was when it was written. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and provoke, and it is a reminder that we must never forget the human cost of conflict.
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