Betrayal

Betrayal is a constant theme throughout Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. From Clark’s betrayal of Sheet, and Bowl by association, to Ui’s murder of his closest friend, Ernesto Roma, betrayal plays a key role in the progression of the plot. Ui’s murder of Roma is what cements betrayal as a part of his reputation, which Roma’s ghost believes will prove to be his inevitable downfall.

The betrayal committed by all of the characters throughout the play all stem from the same motive: upward social mobility. Clark, who initially betrays Sheet, is already at the height of society, yet he still wants to increase his own financial holdings. Although Clark may not be able to move upward in social class, he is still able to widen the wealth gap between him and the rest of Chicago. Clark represents the quintessential...