A Life’s Work Curtailed? The Ailing Brecht’s Struggle with the SED Leadership over GDR Cultural Policy

Abstract

This paper amplifies upon Parker's recently published medical history of Brecht, examining systematically for the first time whether the ailing Brecht?s struggle with the SED over cultural policy in the early GDR contributed to his untimely death. The juxtaposition of medical findings with key moments in that struggle reveals a disturbing pattern, beginning with the SED?s first major attack when Brecht was hospitalised with a serious urological condition. Amidst continuing attacks and harassment, Brecht could never properly convalesce. Brecht?s life and work in the German socialist state were hence severely impaired by the concerted public attacks, surveillance and intrigue, which were directed by the SED leadership. This treatment contributed to the ill health which led to his death from heart failure.