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The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui: A Modern Masterpiece of Political Satire

Israel Bell

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Published in The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui (Modern Plays)

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Bertolt Brecht's The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is a powerful and timely parable about the rise of fascism. Written in 1941, in the midst of World War II, the play draws parallels between the rise of Adolf Hitler and the takeover of a Chicago vegetable market by a ruthless gangster named Arturo Ui.

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Modern Plays)

by Bertolt Brecht

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	552 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	124 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Brecht's play is a scathing indictment of the apathy and complacency that allowed fascism to flourish in Europe. It is a warning to us all about the dangers of allowing demagogues to come to power.

Plot Summary

The play is set in Chicago in the 1930s. Arturo Ui, a small-time gangster, is hired by Cauliflower Trust to protect their vegetable market from a rival gang. Ui quickly uses his position to seize control of the market, using violence and intimidation to eliminate his rivals.

As Ui's power grows, he begins to make alliances with other powerful figures in the city, including the corrupt police chief and the mayor. With their help, Ui is able to consolidate his control over the city and establish a fascist dictatorship.

Ui's rise to power is aided by the apathy and complacency of the citizens of Chicago. They are too busy with their own lives to pay attention to the growing threat of fascism. By the time they realize what is happening, it is too late.

Themes

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui explores a number of important themes, including:

The dangers of fascism: Brecht's play is a warning about the dangers of allowing demagogues to come to power. He shows how fascism can arise from seemingly innocuous beginnings, and how it can quickly spread if it is not checked.
The importance of resistance: Brecht's play also shows the importance of resistance to fascism. He argues that it is the duty of all citizens to stand up to tyrants, even when it is dangerous.
The apathy and complacency of the masses: Brecht's play also criticizes the apathy and complacency of the masses. He shows how this apathy can allow fascism to flourish.

Characters

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui features a number of memorable characters, including:

Arturo Ui: Ui is a ruthless gangster who uses violence and intimidation to seize control of the Chicago vegetable market. He is a charismatic figure who is able to appeal to the fears and prejudices of the masses.
Givola: Givola is Ui's right-hand man. He is a loyal and brutal follower who is willing to do anything to please his boss.
The Cauliflower Trust: The Cauliflower Trust is a group of wealthy businessmen who hire Ui to protect their vegetable market. They are initially happy to use Ui's services, but they eventually come to regret their decision.
The Police Chief: The Police Chief is a corrupt official who is in league with Ui. He uses his position to protect Ui's interests.
The Mayor: The Mayor is a weak and indecisive politician who is unable to stand up to Ui. He allows Ui to seize control of the city without putting up a fight.

Legacy

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is considered to be one of the most important plays of the 20th century. It has been translated into more than 30 languages and performed countless times around the world.

The play continues to be relevant today, as the world faces new threats from fascism and authoritarianism. It is a reminder that we must never be complacent about the dangers of tyranny.