Set against the backdrop of the Thirty Years' War, the book tells the story of a canteen woman, Mother Courage, who pulls her cart with her three children across war-torn Europe. It explores her struggles and survival tactics as she tries to profit from the war while keeping her children safe. The narrative is a profound critique of war and its consequences, highlighting the human cost of conflict and the often futile search for prosperity and security in a chaotic world.

The book explores the impact of industrial capitalism on society, emphasizing the shift from production for use to production for profit. It critiques how business interests prioritize financial gain over technological advancement and social welfare, leading to inefficiencies and social imbalances. The work delves into the conflict between the industrial and pecuniary classes, highlighting how the latter's control over resources and decision-making processes often undermines the potential benefits of technological progress. Through this analysis, it offers a critical perspective on the economic and social structures of the early 20th century.