An exercise in expanded thought, Galileo deals with the scientific investigations of Galileo Galilei and his recantation of his theories in the face of the inquisition. Bertolt Brecht presents a person much like the ordinary inhabitant of Earth: inquisitive, somewhat sensuous, swayed by flattery, burdened by the need for money, challenged by the status quo, and the government of the time, and questioning the accepted tenets of society and knowledge. The drama invites the audience to decide what stand to take on matters of intellectual freedom, censorship, and revolution. Brecht’s play addresses issues of integrity, the definition of betrayal, one’s obligations to society, and more.

In this unit, students analyze censorship and the inquisition, examine aspects of Brecht’s theory of Epic Theatre, contrast the differences between traditional plays and those of Brecht, evaluate poems and the play, identify themes in the play and find evidence in the text that support themes, and research the historical context of the story and the character of Galileo.

 

Supplementary materials feature a study guide, suggested responses, essay topics, a Galileo Galilei biography, and time line.