The Good Woman Of Setzuan

“Stomachs rumble even on the emperor’s birthday.”

Shen Te agrees to take in the gods for the night even though it means that she will have to give up her income and be unable to make her rent. On the emperor’s birthday, citizens would likely be expected to celebrate and show respect. However, while the emperor and the wealthy would be able to celebrate with extravagance, those who are living in poverty are still hungry and going without. Shen Te’s comment points out that those in power are out of touch with the workers, and their priorities seem silly when compared to the life-or-death struggles of the poor. The gods show up and expect lodging with little regard to the sacrifices that their host will have to make to accommodate them. 

“Hesitating doesn’t matter if only you win out.”

The first god suggests that actions are more significant than thought. Shen Te admits that she hesitated when Wang asked her to take in the gods, even though she ultimately agrees. This means that, in terms of goodness, intention is less important than outcome. Therefore, someone who wants badly to do good does not qualify as a good person unless they actually manage good deeds.