Success Paradoxes According to Bertold Brecht

Abstract

The article presents a detailed analysis of the elements of success in the creative activities of the renowned German writer, playwright, poet and director Bertold Brecht (1898–1956). The paper establishes that Brecht is undoubtedly one of the most successful authors of the 20th century. This is attested by his wide recognition in the sphere of theatre studies and art criticism; the prestigious awards he received; the lengthy activities of the theatre that he founded; his impact on cinema and music, jazz and chanson in particular. The aim of the study is to identify contradictions and dialecticisms explicitly aimed at the success of Bertold Brecht’s works. The research relies on the framework of culture studies literary criticism. With reference to the unique success of The Threepenny Opera premiere in 1928, proactive and purposeful activities of the author towards achieving success have been outlined: the use of music and other means of art; implementation of the idea of a work as collective creativity; involvement of mass media, advertisement and public discussion. In view of the scene of deliberation depicted in the short story “Success” about Mr. Keuner, the author’s way of thinking is characterized as paradoxical, as was his attitude towards his own achievement and failure. It is notable that in the new reception (Mr. Brecht and Success (2004) by the Portuguese writer Gonçalo M. Tavarez) attention is paid to the dialectical thinking of the German writer as a decisive factor for his successful creative career. The book by Gonçalo M. Tavarez contains stories inspired by Mr. Keuner, while on the visual level it depicts the success story of Bertold Brecht who finds himself trapped by his own accomplishment. It is, therefore, proven that despite the different elements of success and failure – commercial, artistic, popular, poetological, individual – the artist perceived them as indivisible and mutually beneficial. In his perception of success he was quite a capable manager of his own achievements and shortcomings.