The Good Person of Szechuan

The Good Person of Szechuan Summary | Prologue Summary

A water seller named Wong tells us that the people of his poverty-stricken town are expecting a visit from three of the most important gods; many of the townspeople expect the gods to change their lives. Wong then sees the three gods approaching, and sees also that one of them is old and deaf. They tell Wong that they are looking for a place to stay, and when Wong tells them that the whole town would be delighted to welcome them, they ask him to just try the first place he can think of. However, neither the first nor the second nor the third place is welcoming.

The gods talk amongst themselves, saying it's been the same everywhere they've gone; people are not religious and have no respect for the gods or their teachings. The deaf god, however, is convinced that there is at least one good person left, and that once that person is found, the minds of the non-believers will be changed.

As a last resort, Wong tries the home of Shen Te, a prostitute. She tells him she's expecting a paying customer and can't help him but then changes her mind and hides. As Wong distracts the gods, the customer comes and goes. Wong then goes looking for Shen Te, Shen Te comes looking for Wong, and they miss each other. Shen Te takes the gods into her home, and when Wong returns and sees that the gods are gone, he believes they are displeased with him and runs away. Time passes.

The next morning, the gods thank Shen Te for her hospitality and ask her to thank Wong for showing them a good person. Shen Te tells them that she both wants and tries to be good, but is often prevented from succeeding because she must get money to live. "Even breaking a few of your commandments," she says, "[she] can hardly manage." The gods put their heads together and give her some money, which they say is to pay their bills.