Boss orders an Askari to untie the hands of Mosese and Jere pg 70 The act of untying the two symbolizes their freedom and by extension salvation or the citizens of Kafira. Askari is a symbol of oppression. Political prisoners like Jere and Mosese are mistreated while in prison. The brutality of the regime is evident when askari says of Mosese ......whenthey brought him in last night , he was all questions. We calculated that two mature strokes would ease the tension pg 19 He informs Jere that he has once killed a man in that very cell. Pg 30 The gun is a symbol of power. The moment the askaris surrender their guns to Jere, Mosese and Jusper, power shifts from Boss to the three. Mulili, Boss and Tumbo are at the mercy of the three. The reappearance od Doga and Nina at the end of theplay after the killing of Mulili is a symbol of change in Kafira, their reappearance at the graveside which now is for Mulili shows that the social order of injustice and misrule exemplified by poor advisors like Mulili has been done away with and now they expect a new Kafira with better leadership and justice. HUMOURThe writer has employed humour in his play. He portrays Mulili humorously. His broken English and barely comprehensible talks ease the tense moments that keep building in the play. Some of the funny statements he makes include;The green grass in the snake instead of the green snake in the grass to refer to hypocrites. Sometimes I wonder why you possession that thing between your legsYou must apology to me this, now pg 57 You play with fire you goat! Mulili s attempt to communicate in English is laughable. Who you call child eeh? Jere you tell him. Tell him what I does with stubborn old mens pg 8 Big coward. Why you doesn t let her get on with it. How many I have seen and I am still Mulili with my two eyes, natural? Look, no goggles pg 9 Mulili s disjointed English is a pointer to his limited education. This is an indication of Boss leadership which regards individuals not on the basis of their qualifications but on the basis of blood relationship and perceived loyalty.


Several instances of proverbs are evident in the text. The writer has used proverbs to illustrate the wisdom of Doga and his realistic nature. He says, a mouse does not share a bowl with a cat. Pg 3 which implies that they cannot share mutual relationship with the sub-chief whose brother, Chagaga, is responsible for the death of AdikaWhen Nina suggests that they should report to the sub-chief what has just happened to the grave, Doga uses a proverb to explain her failure to see the futility of her actions. Thus he says, ....when dry thunder tears the sky before our eyes, do we forget the storm of yesterday? Pg3 Doga insists that the shaving ceremony must go on regardless of the obstacles that they face. He uses a proverb. A cloudy sky does not always cry rain pg 3 Kabito tells Nicodemo, the tree climber begins from the bottom, not top pg 53 . Through this proverb, Kabito wishes to be informed the terms of service of the committee before their meeting. The potrayal of Kabito is that of a materialistic, greedy and self-centred individual. FORESHADOWA foreshadow is a premonition that something is going to happen. Authors use words, signs or events to prepare readers for something that is just to occur. Doga foreshadows Mulili s death when he says Empty words will be your downfall. May you die the way Adika did pg 10 His words come to pass when Jusper shoots Mulili. After his parents are murdered in exchange for his release, Jusper says, I will get my revenge someday, even if it means going alone pg 33 His words are fulfilled when he shoots Mulili dead. While reacting to Tumbo s insistence that she must personally see Boss to secure her brother s release , Regina says, I have this funny feeling that something will go wrong pg 45 Her fears are justified when later on Boss forcefully tries to get her and she is only able to escape by jumping out of a ten foot high window.


This song and the subsequent prayer indicate that the couple can only turn to God for solace after all else has failed. Generally, it is their hope in life because under the Kafira government, they can only trust and obey. It portrays them as religious despite the challenges they are facing. They are seeking for answers through divine intervention. The song and the prayer summarize their total sense of loss and their deep religious devotionCROSS PURPOSEThis style is used in reference to individuals talking about different things in the course of their conversation without realizing it. The first incident of cross purpose is when Doga, Nina and Jusper appear not to communicate and their statements overlap. When Jusper is at cross purpose with Doga and Nina. Jusperappears not to communicate with his parents and their statements overlap. When Jusper is referring to a murder he committed at night, his mother thinks that he imagines killing his father. Doga tells Nina not to detain Jusper and instead allow him to go for he is a nuisance. Jusper responds, he can t go he is dead pg 6 Jusper is referring to Adika;s murderer Chagaga while his mother means that Doga is dead. Jusper and Nina also speak in cross purpose on pg 7 when Jusper asks ...shall I go and confess idid it? To which Nina answers, Yes my son, go and put on a clean shirt and then you can confess Nina thinks Jusper is talking about the ceremony whereas Jusper is talking about confessing that he had killed Chagaga. Mosese and Jere talk at cross purpose. Pg 30-31 While Mosese in his reverie, seems to be talking to imaginary persons. Jere s questions punctuate his reverie. In his attempt to understand Mosese s talk, he finally concludes,When the madness of an entire nation disturbs a solitary mind, it is not enough to say the man is mad. Pg 33 BETRAYAL IN THE CITY ESSAY QUESTIONS1. The Elites play a major role in salvaging countries marred by poor governance. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City2. The government of Kafira is a dictatorial regime that doesn t mind the suffering of themasses.


The Elites play a major role in salvaging countries marred by poor governance. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City2. The government of Kafira is a dictatorial regime that doesn t mind the suffering of themasses. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City3. Revenge is a vicious cycle that needs to be stopped since it hinders development. Explain the veracity of the above assertion with reference to Francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City4. Kafira is an epitome of corruption in the developing countries. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City5. Deceit reigns in situations of poor governance and with them comes conflict. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City6. A state can be brought down if its leadership thrives on cronism and poor advisors. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City7. Kafira s woes can be attributed to the inefficiency of its leadership. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City8. Betrayal in the city is a perfect satire of the ills in third world countries. . Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Francis Imbuga s Betrayal in the City9. Bad governance creates room for economic opportunism. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga10. Mulili is an embodiment of evil attributes. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga11. Many people in Kafira are traitorous. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga12. Strikes come with many adverse effects. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga13. Write an essay explaining the relevance of the title BETRAYAL IN THE CITY.


Strikes come with many adverse effects. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga13. Write an essay explaining the relevance of the title BETRAYAL IN THE CITY. From the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga14. THE OUTSIDE OF THIS CELL MIGHT AS WELL BE THE INSIDE OF ANOTHER from instances in the play write as essay justifying Jere s assertion drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga15. Oppression breeds misery and conflict. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga16. The situation in Kafira has bred despondency amongst its citizens. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga17. Many eventsand actions in Betrayal in the City are triggered by the need for revenge. Write an essay in support of this statement drawing illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City by Francis ImbugaTHE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE BY BERTOLT BRECHTTHE AUTHORBertolt Brecht was a German poet , playwright and theatrical reformer. He was born in 1898 and became one of the most prominent figures in the 20th -century theater. Bertolt Brecht was concerned with encouraging audiences to think rather than becoming too involved in the story line and to identify with the characters. Bertolt Brecht was born in Augsburg, the son of Beltold Brecht, the director of a paper company, and Sophie Brezing, the daughter of a civil servant. His father was a Catholic, and his mother a Protestant. Both parents hailed from Achern in the Black Forest. Brecht began to write poetry as a boy, and had his first poems published in 1914. Between 1919 and 1921 he wrote theatre criticisms for the left-wing Socialist paper Die Augsburger. After military service as a medical orderly, he returned to his studies, but abandoned them in 1921. During the Bavarian revolutionary turmoil of 1918, Brech wrote his first play, Baal. From this period also dates his poem, 'Legend of the Dead Soldier'.


After military service as a medical orderly, he returned to his studies, but abandoned them in 1921. During the Bavarian revolutionary turmoil of 1918, Brech wrote his first play, Baal. From this period also dates his poem, 'Legend of the Dead Soldier'. It was cited by the Nazis as one of their strong reasons to deprive him of German citizeship in 1935. Like several other poems, it was set to music by the author, and sung to the accompaniment of his guitar in a Berlin cabaret. Brecht's works have be en translated into 42 languages and sold over 70 volumes. The Caucasian Chalk Circle was written in 1944 inHollywood. Drawing on the Greek tradition, he wanted his theater to represent a forum for debate hall rather than a place of illusions. He aimed to take emotion out of the production, persuade the audience to distance from the make believe characters and urge actors to dissociate from their roles. Then the political truth would be more easy to comprehend. Oncehe said: "Nothing is more important than learning to think crudely. Crude thinking is the thinking of great men.". Brecht formulated his literary theories much in reaction to GeorgLuk cs 1885-1971 , a Hungarian philosopher and Marxist literary theoretician. He disapproved Luk cs attempt to distinguish between good realism and bad naturalism. He died in 1956. SETTINGThe Caucasus is a region that bridges Europe and Asia. The Caucasus is divided by the Caucasian mountain ranges into two regions:The northern slopes of the mountains reach into Chechnya and other border states of the former Soviet UnionOn the southern side of the mountains are the modern-day countries Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Grusinia, where The Caucasian Chalk Circle takes place, is a fictionalized version of the modern day countries; Georgia and Azerbaijan towards the end of the WWII in 1944. The play was translated to English by Eric Bentley. The play is a comedy, with a happy ending. The play is based on communism i.e. whoever can make the best use of resources in order to provide for others deserves to get the best of the resources. Brecht shows communism through three stories;i The ownership of a piece of land between goat herders and fruit farmers. In the end througharbitrators, the fruit farmers get the valley because they will use the land better.


Whoever can make the best use of resources in order to provide for others deserves to get the best of the resources. Brecht shows communism through three stories;i The ownership of a piece of land between goat herders and fruit farmers. In the end througharbitrators, the fruit farmers get the valley because they will use the land better. Ii The story about Grusha the kitchen maid, through the use of Solomonic law: Solomon and the baby from the bible . Grusha gets the baby because she deserves him. Iii The story about Judge Azdak. His fair judging in favour of the peasants made him very popular especially among the poor. THE TITLEThe Caucasian Chalk Circle is derived from a circle Judge Azdak orders Shauwa to draw, .............get a piece of chalk and draw a circle on the floor. Pg 97 . Its purpose is to determine Michael s real mother. Both Natella Abashwili and Grusha Vashnadze desire custodian of the child. Shauwa is directed to place the child in the circle and the mother to hold him by the hands and pull him out. Whoever pulls him out of the circle would retain him. It is ironical that Natella, Michael s biological mother, is denied custody of the child when she pulls him out. Grusha declines to tear the child and consequently ends with the child. The title symbolically signifies the possibility of surrendering what might be rightfully yours for better utilization. The play infers from both a Chinese play Circle of chalk written in 1300 AD and a biblical story The judgment of Solomon- 1 Kings 3: 16-28 In the Chinese story, a young girl, HAi-tang, bears a child as the second wife of a wealthy man. His first wife claims the child is her own. However, the second wife is judged the true mother when she refuses to pull the child apart in the test of the Chalk Circle. In the biblical story, two women live in the same house and both bear a child. One baby dies in the night and its mother swaps him for the living baby. Both claim the living child is their own. Solomon orders that the child be cut in two and each half be given to each mother. The real mother of the child gives up the child rather than see him harmed and is judged to be the true mother.


Both claim the living child is their own. Solomon orders that the child be cut in two and each half be given to each mother. The real mother of the child gives up the child rather than see him harmed and is judged to be the true mother. The agriculturist and herders are seated in circles as they negotiate and in the end the herders agree to surrender their claim on the valley of Rosa Luxemburg since they would put it to better use. SYNOPSISThe Caucasian Chalk Circle begins with a prologue which captures a dispute between two communities; the fruit growing and the goat farming one. The clash is over who should own and manage the valley. The Goat Farm Commune Group is the original owner who had relocated due to the advancing Hitler s army. The fruit growing Commune has demonstrated interest in the piece of land. A delegate from Tiflis-the capital of the Soviet State of Georgia-has been sent to settle the dispute. The Fruit Growing Collective Farm has made elaborate arrangements of irrigating the valley so as to make it more productive. The delegate awards the land to the fruit growers because they have plans to use the resources better despite the land originally belonging to the goat farming group. Act one begins when the city of Grusinia has been taken over by the iron shirts and the governor, Georgi Abashwili, is beheaded in a coup that has been planned by his brother, the Fat Prince and his head fastened on a wall. The governor s wife Natella flees and in the process abandons her child, Michael. Fortunately, the kitchen maid Grusha salvages the child from the soldiers and the Fat Prince and escapes with him to her brother's place in the Northern Mountains, pursued by soldiers. She enduresgreat suffering in the way, including hostile and uncooperative people. She finally gets to her brother s place but he the brother insists that she must be married to an almost dying man by the name Jussup. Jussup has faked illness to avoid taking part in the war. When it is announced that the war is over, Jussup miraculously recovers. Grusha is stuck with a husband she did not want. When Simon Grusha s lover returns from the war, he discovers that Grusha is married and suspects that Michael is her child.


When it is announced that the war is over, Jussup miraculously recovers. Grusha is stuck with a husband she did not want. When Simon Grusha s lover returns from the war, he discovers that Grusha is married and suspects that Michael is her child. Later, the child is taken away from her by some soldiers who claim that he belongs to Natella and he is taken back to the Caucasian village. Through a flashback, the writer explains how the Grand Duke is sheltered by Azdak, later to be judge, soon after he escapes the bloody coup. However, Azdak is not aware that he is hiding a dangerous fugitive and fearing he might be branded a traitor he presents himself to the soldiers to be tried and soon wins their favour and is installed as judge. Azdak judges four very weird cases, ruling in each case in favour of the poor. He soon gains reputation for supporting the poor. He serves for two years as a judge, befo re the return of the Grand Duke. He is arrested for being a traitor and as the soldiers are about to kill him, he is saved by the Grand Duke who recalls that he saved his life. He reappoints him to be the judge. The major case that Azdak handles is that of Grusha and the child. The governor s wife wants Michael back because without him, she cannot take over the former Governor s wealth. However,Grusha wants to keep the child because she has raised him for the past two years. Interestingly, even Simon offers to support her in the trial. When Azdak listens to the case, he orders a Chalk Circle tobe drawn, after he learns what Grusha has done to the child. The child is placed in the middle and orders the two women to pull saying that whoever can pull him out of the circle will get him. The governor s wife pulls whereas Grusha lets go. This is repeated and finally, AZDAK gives Michael to Grusha. The governor s wife is ordered to leave. Michael s wealth is taken and made intopublic gardens. The message the author is passing across is that resources should belong to those who make better use of them- the child to Grusha, just the same way the valley goes to those who will take care of it.


The governor s wife is ordered to leave. Michael s wealth is taken and made intopublic gardens. The message the author is passing across is that resources should belong to those who make better use of them- the child to Grusha, just the same way the valley goes to those who will take care of it. In the end, Azdak divorces Grusha from Jussup, paving way for her to get married to Simon. Azdak disappears never to be seen again. PROLOGUESummer of 1945The play begins with a prologue an introduction to a play that captures a conflict between members of two collective farms both who claim a stake in a disputed valley. The two rivals are: Goat Farm Rosa Luxemburg and Fruit Farm Galinsk. The two are neighbours. The goat herding commune claims to be the original owners of the disputed land until Hitler s armies forced them to relocate. The fruit growing commune has laid down an elaborate plan to irrigate the valley for agricultural purposes. They intend to use a dam across the mountain lake and water seven hundred acres of infertile land and plan to plant vineyards and orchards thereA delegate from the State Reconstruction Commission from Tiflis-the capital city-has been sent to arbitrate on the dispute. He intimates that Goat Farm Rosa Luxemburg occupied the valley before moving East on orders from the government. The Goat herding commune is now dissatisfied with their new grazing land which they claim is not palatable to their animals. They claim that the valley belongs to them from eternity and the law attests to that. However, members from the Fruit Farm Galinsk explain the reason why they deserve to own the valley. An amicable solution is finally reached when the land is awarded to the Fruit growing commune and the two groups settle down to eat and drink. Entertainment soon follows when a legendary singer Arkadi- is invited to perform an old Chinese song entitled, The Chalk Circle. This song is about two stories which have a bearing on their resolved dispute. The prologue serves several functions; first, it gives the play a unique structure, secondly, enables the playwright to pass on his her key message and the moral of the play to the reader or audience beforehe or she watches or reads it. Bertolt roots for communism, that whoever can make good use of something should keep it.


This song is about two stories which have a bearing on their resolved dispute. The prologue serves several functions; first, it gives the play a unique structure, secondly, enables the playwright to pass on his her key message and the moral of the play to the reader or audience beforehe or she watches or reads it. Bertolt roots for communism, that whoever can make good use of something should keep it. THE NOBLE CHILDThis part opens with Arkadi- the singer narrating a story about Georgi Abashwili, the governor in Grusinia and a rich man who owns numerous horses and soldiers. He is married to Natella and they have a son, Michael. On the morning of the Easter Sunday, the governor s family goes to church. At the gateway, he is confronted by many beggars and petitioners. Mothers hold emaciated children as people with clutches and petitions beg for money. They complain of high taxes, starvation and bribery. The governor ignores them and soldiers whip them with thick leather whips to keep them away. Michael-the governor s son and heir- is brought along and the crowd sees him for the first time. He is carried in a decorated carriage and is attended to by two doctors. Even the mighty Prince Kazbeki bows before him at the church door. Natella informs the prince about the Governor s plan of bringing down the slums to pave way for his garden. The governor has lost interest in the affairs of Grusinian people in spite of the raging war that is taking place. The governor even dismisses a messenger from the cit y bringing some confidential papers for him saying he can only attend to him after the service. Later the adjutant anofficer who acts as military assistant informs the messenger that the governor does not wish to receive military news before dinner. Grusha Vashnadze- governor s kitchen maid- does not attend the service as she has to get a goose for the family s banquet. She is seen talking to Simon Shashava, a soldier, who reveals that he oftenhides behind a bush to watch her dip her legs in the river as she washes her line. Before the awaited dinner and a talk with the architects can take place, the palace is surrounded and the Governor arrested. George Abashwili is executed and the city is in bloodshed. Natella s life is in danger. Servants rush out of the house trying to frantically salvage what they can.


George Abashwili is executed and the city is in bloodshed. Natella s life is in danger. Servants rush out of the house trying to frantically salvage what they can. A scuffle erupts between the two family doctors over who should attend to the governor s wife who has fainted. Simon comes looking for Grusha. He aims at wooing her. The two have to part ways when Simon is ordered by the adjutant to guard Natella on her way to safety. He gives Grusha a silver chain that his mother had given him. She promises him that she would wait for him and remain faithful till their reunion. The adjutant is seen trying to save Natella from danger but she is reluctant to go without her most valued essentials. The adjutant forces her on a horse back amidst complaints that she has left her wine-coloured dress. She leaves her child Michael behind who falls into the custody of Grusha the kitchen maid. As everyone flees, Grusha decides to hide the child under a blanket and keeps the baby company throughout the night. The following day she flees with the child from the Ironshirts who together with the Fat Prince are looking for the baby, It s a pity they took the brat along, though, I need him urgently. Pg 28 THE FLIGHT TO THE MOUNTAINSThe Singer accounts Grusha escape from the city to the Northern Mountains to save Michael from the Fat Prince and his soldiers. She is carrying Michael in a sack. She journeys along the Grusinian highway on the Northern Mountains after singing The song of the Four Generals. As lunchtime approaches, she has to look for a meal to feed the child. She buys milk from a peasant at two piasters, an equivalent to a week s pay. Having spent most of her money Grusha keeps on moving towards the north as the Iron shirts who want to kill Michael pursue her. The singer tells us that she then arrives at the River Sirra and with the burden of the child weighing on her; she decides to keep him at the doorstep of a farmyard after realising that the peasant woman has some milk. She anticipates the peasant will feed him and goes to hide behind a tree in order to watch what would happen. When the peasant woman finds Michael at her door, she takes him into the house.


The singer tells us that she then arrives at the River Sirra and with the burden of the child weighing on her; she decides to keep him at the doorstep of a farmyard after realising that the peasant woman has some milk. She anticipates the peasant will feed him and goes to hide behind a tree in order to watch what would happen. When the peasant woman finds Michael at her door, she takes him into the house. She suggests to her husband that they keep the child but her husband tells her to give him to the local priest. AsGrusha hurries off in the opposite direction she bumps on Ironshirts who demand to know where she is coming from. She lies that she is going to meet Simon Shashava. The ironshirts demand the whereabouts of Michael. Grusha gets scared and rushes back to the cottage where she had left the child and pleads with the peasant woman to hide it. Initially the woman agrees to hide Michael but is immediately frightened by the presence of the soldiers. She reveals to the corporal that Grusha left the child on her doorstep. In desperation, Grusha seizes a log and hits the corporal on the head until he loses consciousness. She then grabs Michael and runs away. In her flight from the Ironshirts, she finally reaches the foot of Janga-Tau Glacier after journeying for twenty-two days. She adopts Michael. She removes his silken shirt, throws it away and wraps him in rags. Finally, she arrives at the bridge on the glacier still pursed by the Ironshirts. One of the bridge s rope is broken and half of the bridge is hanging down the abyss. Despite the danger, Grusha is determined to cross the bridge. Luckily they get to the other side of the bridge despite fears and warning by the merchants on the impending danger. She laughs triumphantly to her freedom as theIronshirts pursuing her cannot cross the bridge. Finally, she sings The Song of the Child pg 41 IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINSAfter journeying across the glacier for another seven days, Grusha finally arrives at Lavrenti s her brother house. She expects to be welcomed warmly but this is not the case. Her bother has to cook up a story to convince his religious wife that his sister is on her way to her husband s place at the mountains.


Finally, she sings The Song of the Child pg 41 IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINSAfter journeying across the glacier for another seven days, Grusha finally arrives at Lavrenti s her brother house. She expects to be welcomed warmly but this is not the case. Her bother has to cook up a story to convince his religious wife that his sister is on her way to her husband s place at the mountains. To have Grusha leave the house, Lavrenti comes up with an idea of getting her a husband. He Lavrenti organizes to get her married to a dying man - Jussup at a fee of 400 piasters. The mother-in-law realizing there is a child demands for an additional 200 piasters for the wedding to proceed. The mother-in-law has hired a cheap monk to unite the two. After the wedding, neighbours who came to witness the marriage ceremony are served with cakes as they gossip. From the gossiping visitors, news indicate that the Grand Duke has assembled an army to fight the princes that rebelled against him the previous year. When Grusha hears that the soldiers are coming back now that the war is over, she is in shock and drops a cake pan. Her worry being that Simon will come back and find she is married to another man. Once Jussup hears the war is over, he miraculously recovers. Jussup gets out of bed and the visitors are shocked to see him. He orders them out of the house before kicking them out. Grusha finds herself in a tight position as she discovers she has a husband yet the man she loves is on the way. Furthermore, Jussup demands that she becomes more intimate with him and accuses her of not performing her wifely duties. With time Simon face grows dimmer and his voice becomes fainter. In a play within a play, we see as Grusha washes linen by the stream accompanied by Michael, she advises him to go play with the other children. As they play they enact the beheading of thegovernor- Michael s father. However, instead of playing the part of the governor like the other children want him to do; he insists that he be allowed to behead the fat boy, who represents the fat prince. This foreshadows the beheading of the fat prince later.


When he gets to the courtroom he sees the hanging bodies of authority figures and mistakenly interprets the revolution as a people s revolt. His shouts of joy are interrupted by a soldier who tells him he s got it all wrong: it s not a people s revolution but a military coup. An uprising by the rebellious carpet weavers resulted in all the hangings and the soldiers were brought in to suppress them. Azdak is nearly hanged by soldiers. The Fat Prince brings his nephew Bizergan Kazbeki to be installed as the new judge the old judge had been killed by the carpet weavers . Azdak suggest that the candidate s knowledge in law be tested. In a play within a play, Azdak plays the role of the defendant. The soldiers, after test ing the nephew in a mock trial in which Azdak accuses the Fat Prince of profiting from the Persian war, makes Azdak judge instead. Over two years Azdak, with his trusty assistant Shauva, travels the country turning justice on its head, accusing a rape victim of being a rapist herself, sympathising with an old woman clearly guilty of theft, doling out law as he sees fit. Finally the Grand Duke comes back, the Fat Prince is beheaded and Natella Abashvilli returns from exile. Frightened that his behaviour over the last couple of years will land him in trouble now that order is restored, Azdak promises to help Natella get her son back. THE CHALK CIRCLEThe Singer introduces us to the Act by saying it is the story of the trial. The trial is about determining who is the true mother to Michael and in this regard, Grusha has come back to the city to face the law for having taken the Governor s son. As they wait for the judge to come, Simon appears and swears he will say he is the father to the child. Then Grusha spots the Ironshirt whom she clobbered and this makes her regret why she came to Nuka. The corporal leaves cursing as he fears exposing Grusha because he would be admitting that he ran after the child to kill it. The governors wife, Natella, arrives, in her characteristic style, she cannot hide her contempt for the low class and the underprivileged: At least there are no common people here, thank God. I can t stand their smell.


The corporal leaves cursing as he fears exposing Grusha because he would be admitting that he ran after the child to kill it. The governors wife, Natella, arrives, in her characteristic style, she cannot hide her contempt for the low class and the underprivileged: At least there are no common people here, thank God. I can t stand their smell. It always gives me migraine. Pg 88 Azdak having been declared an enemy of the new regime for having worked with the Fat Prince is stripped of his judge s robes. The Ironshirts and the farmers tear his gown and beat him. He is about to be hanged when a messenger arrives announcing the Grand Duke would like Azdak to remain asjudge, as a thank you for saving his life that Easter Sunday. Azdak presides over a trial in which he must judge who gets Michael Grusha, who has cared for him and put herself through hell for him; or his natural mother, Natella, who abandoned him. A heated debate ensues on who is the rightful owner of the child. The prosecutors explain that Grusha has stolen Natella s child and refuses to hand it over. They advance their case by saying that Grusha does not have any blood relations with the child. On the other hand, Grusha lays claim on the child by saying that she brought him up and always found him something to eat. Hearing both arguments, Azdak is unable to decide. He adjourns the court to hear the case of an old couple who want a divorce. He tells them he ll think about it. Returning to Michael s case, Azdak invokes the ancient wisdom of the Chalk Circle: Michael is placed in the centre of a circle and whoever is strong enough to pull him out must be the right mother. Grusha won t pull, she cannot hurt him. Azdak orders the women to repeat the trial. Grusha again cannot pull. Azdak judges that she must be the right mother. Natella faints. Simon and Grusha thank Azdak, who signs the divorce papers not the divorce of the old couple but Grusha s divorce from the man she married in the mountains. Everyone dances. Azdak disappears.


Simon and Grusha thank Azdak, who signs the divorce papers not the divorce of the old couple but Grusha s divorce from the man she married in the mountains. Everyone dances. Azdak disappears. The Singer explains that the child has been given to the mother who will be best for it and, reminding us of the prologue, that the land should go to whoever is right for it. THEMESCORRUPTION GREED AND MATERIALISMCorruption mainly refers to lack of integrity or honesty and is mainly manifested by accepting bribes. Corrupt individuals use their privileged positions they have been entrusted with to make illegitimate gains, thus undermining their moral integrity. They are usually driven by greed. Forms of corruptionvary and can include bribery, extortion, nepotism, and general embezzlement of mainly of public funds. George Abashwili is materialistic. As he makes procession to enter the church fort Easter service, many beggars and petitioners try in vain to reach out to him. We learn through his wife Natella that the governor plans to tear down the slums to create room for the garden of the East Wing of palace. All those wretched slums are to be torn down to make room for the garden. Pg 15 After the coup and the beheading of the governor, we see Natella in a hurry to collect her dresses and shoes. She abandons her son Michael as she runs for her safety. Later we learn that the main reason she is claiming her son Michael from Grusha is to get inheritance of the vast governor s estates. The Ironshirts are corrupt. They use their privileged positions to execute others and in the process make illegitimate gains. One Ironshirt says, ...This morning they strung up the city judge. As for us we beat them to pulp. We are paid one hundred piasters per man, you understand? The iron shirts follow Grusha and Michael since a good price is offered. Azdak, the judge, is overly corrupt and his greed unstoppable. He openly takes bribes in the court before listening to a case. He begins by saying, I accept, meaning that he is willing to be bribed. As Azdak executes his duties, his deeds do not measure up to the expected standards. He makes controversial judgements that put his integrity into questions. He sits on the statue book when delivering justice. A pointer to his contempt for what is just.


He makes controversial judgements that put his integrity into questions. He sits on the statue book when delivering justice. A pointer to his contempt for what is just. He also takes wine in public as he executes his duties. ABUSE OF POWERThe governor, George Abashwili, is said to be as rich as Croesus. He has so many horses in his stable and yet there are so many beggars on hisdoor step. This shows that he amasses so much wealth for himself at the expense of his subjects. They pile along the gate carrying thin children and holding petitions. They cry for mercy and reduction of the high taxes. Pg 14 . The governor has hired two doctors to look after his son Michael-the apple of his eyes. Pg 15 . This is in contrast to the starving and suffering common men who push and shove to see the governor s heir. The governor plans to tear down the slums to start building the East Wing garden for his sonMichael. It does not matter to him that those slums are people s homes. The soldiers also abuse power. ........... Soldiers push the crowd back lashing at them with thick whips. Pg 14 When the crowd pushes to have a peep at their heir-baby Michael- the crowd is pushed back by the iron shirts using thick whips. The Fat prince abuses power when he conspires and overthrows the governor from power. He The Fat prince then orders the governor to be beheaded and his head hanged at the entrance of the palace for all to see. He then orders the iron shirts to follow Grusha and get Michael back; he intends to kill him too. The fat prince also abuses power by practising nepotism, where he intends to have his nephew, Bizergan Kazbeki, to be bestowed as the new judge. ............. So I ve bought along my dear nephew Bizergan Kazbeki, He ll be the new judge, hm? Pg 71 The judge, Azdak abuses power openly by accepting bribes. Before considering any case he utters a short statement- I accept- to mean he is ready to take a bribe. All the cases he judges are in favour of the suffering poor. He fines the wealthy like the farmers heavily, in this way he abuses power to help the poor. LOVE COMPASSIONThe playwright explores the theme of love and friendship through various characters in the play.


All the cases he judges are in favour of the suffering poor. He fines the wealthy like the farmers heavily, in this way he abuses power to help the poor. LOVE COMPASSIONThe playwright explores the theme of love and friendship through various characters in the play. This is mainly portrayed through the parental love between the governor and his son Michael, Grusha, the kitchen maid and Michael, Grusha s romantic love with Simon Shashava and finally between Grusha and her brother Lavrenti Vashnadze. Michael does not experience the motherly love from his biological mother Natella Abashwili. Fortunately, his father, the governor of the Caucasian City bestows on Michael fatherly love. Michael is attended to by two doctors who never mover from his side to keep him in good health. The Fat prince also notices the child on their way to church and comments that, And little Michael is a governor from head to foot! Pg15 . Natella, Michael s biological mother, is jealous of the attention Michael is given by his father. She says it is impossible for them to live in the slum but her husband would build the East Wing for Michael since he is the apple of the governor s eye. .............. Will only build for little Michael...........Michael is all.......... pg 18-19 . Finally, she abandons him. Grusha loves Michael. She has to overcome a strong tide of opposition from the other servants before she rescues Michael. The groom tells her, Better put him down, I tell you. I d rather not thinkwhat d happen to anybody who was found with the baby. Pg 27 The older woman tells her, Grusha, you re a good soul, but you are not very bright, and you know it. I tell you, if he has plague he couldn t be more dangerous. Pg 27 . Grusha watches over Michael the whole night and by morning as the writer puts it, the seduction between Grusha and Michael i complete, .............till morning the seduction was complete.......she crept away, pg 29 . She also saves the child from being killed by several iron shirts. Just like a mother who loves her child, she makes several sacrifices. She is forced to buy him milk at an exorbitant price using her meagre weekly pay.


She also saves the child from being killed by several iron shirts. Just like a mother who loves her child, she makes several sacrifices. She is forced to buy him milk at an exorbitant price using her meagre weekly pay. She risks her life to save Michael by hitting a corporal with a wooden log and crosses over to the Northern Mountains using a broken bridge. She has to marry a dying man - Jussup- for Michael s sake and thus risks her engagement with Simon Shashava. The climax of Grusha s love for Michael is shown at the trial scene. Grusha defends for her love towards Michael by saying that she brought him up and that she married because of Michael. When Azdak, the judge, asks for Michael so that he can choose his true mother, Michael s love for Grusha is seen when he smiles at her. After drawing the Chalk Circle, Azdak orders the two women to pull the child out of the circle. Meanwhile, Grusha refuses to pull portraying her motherly love and finally she says, I brought him up! Shall I also tear him to bits? I can t. pg 98 As Grusha flees to the north, she comes across a bridge on the glacier. She is determined to cross but the merchants caution her against risking her life and that of Michael, The merchant woman tells her, But you can t take the child on that bridge. It s sure to break. And look! Pg 41 The next man warns her to think of the baby, I think of the baby. Risk your life not a child s pg 41 . This shows theirlove and compassion for Michael. The love relationship between Grusha and Simon is romantic. It is already sealed through an engagement. They exchange intimate words and inquire about each other s background. Simonremoves a chain from his neck and tells Grusha, ...........my mother gave me this cross.....please wear it. Pg 22 . Grusha promises Simon that she would wait for him. She says, Simon Shashava.....it isjust as it was. Pg 23 . Grusha is introduced to the idea of getting married to Jussup due to the illegitimacy of the child.


Grusha promises Simon that she would wait for him. She says, Simon Shashava.....it isjust as it was. Pg 23 . Grusha is introduced to the idea of getting married to Jussup due to the illegitimacy of the child. However, deep within her, she loves Simon and wishes that the union would not last long so that she may re-unite with her fianc whom she thinks would willingly take care of Michael. This turns out to be true. True love unfolds when Simon testifies at the court that he is Michael s father. I am the father, your honour. Pg 93 . The climax of the sincere love for each other is portrayed when Grusha informs Simon that, Now I can tell you: I took him because on that Easter Sunday I got engaged to you. So he s a child of love. Michael, let s dance. Pg 99 . This she does after the judgement where she wins the child. When Grusha runs to the North and arrives at her brother s house, her brother sympathises with her and gives her a roof and even makes arrangements for her to get married to the dying man, Jussup. After the marriage, Jussup takes in both her and the child without asking questions, It is her compassion for Michael that makes her to agree to be married yet she is engaged to Simon. NEGLIGENCE OF DUTY IRRESPONSIBILITYNegligence refers to failure to give somebody or something enough care or attention. It also refers to failure to perform one s duty which impacts negatively on others. Georgi Abashwili is the Governor and therefore responsible for the welfare of those under him. Although he is rich, he has so many beggars from the gateway, holding up thin children, crutches and petitions. Although they have come for help, he does not attend to any. It is Easter and therefore onewould expect he would be compassionate enough to listen to their grievances. They complain of taxes being high. One petitioner laments: The child is starving in my arms pg 14 . Although thereis a servant collecting their grievances and another distributing coin s from a purse, none of their petitions is attended to and eventually they are driven back with whips.


They complain of taxes being high. One petitioner laments: The child is starving in my arms pg 14 . Although thereis a servant collecting their grievances and another distributing coin s from a purse, none of their petitions is attended to and eventually they are driven back with whips. Despite being in a high position and being responsible for the welfare of the people, we are surprised to learn that, he knows nothing about the approaching war and therefore no safety measures have been put in place. When asked about the war, he indicates lack of interest. The Governor has ignored the plight of his subjects. There are so many of them in the slums. To make matters worse he has decided to tear down the slums to make room for a garden for the EastWing he is about to construct. People are complaining of hunger, yet his child has two doctors, The two doctors are also irresponsible in that none wants to take responsibility over the discomfort o f the child. They blame each other over luke warm bath water used to bath the child. The governor is informed by his Adjutant that an injured young rider has come as a messenger from the capital, bringing him confidential papers. He neglects his responsibility to see him and after waiting in vain the messenger mutters a curse and leaves. We are not surprised when we learn that the plotting against the Governor by The Fat Prince happened in the capital therefore we can guess that the messenger comes to warn him. Eventually, the governor loses his life. It is strange that the Governor refuses to talk to the wounded Rider when he appears again but prefers to confer with the architects. The Adjutant says of him, The governor does not wish to receivemilitary news before dinner- especially if it s depressing pg 19 . Because of his irresponsibility in choosing his priorities, he is caught unawares and is beheaded. That is why the singer laments overthe blindness of the great who, ...........go their ways like gods....sure of hired fists. Trusting in their power. But long is not forever. Pg 20 It is the height of irresponsibility when Natella Abashwili takes her time choosing the dresses and shoes to carry. She finally leaves and forgets her child whom she had directed to be laid on the floor. She is busy rummaging through clothing when the Adjutant is busy pleading that they should run for their lives.


But long is not forever. Pg 20 It is the height of irresponsibility when Natella Abashwili takes her time choosing the dresses and shoes to carry. She finally leaves and forgets her child whom she had directed to be laid on the floor. She is busy rummaging through clothing when the Adjutant is busy pleading that they should run for their lives. She does not care about the many people she is exposing to danger by her delay, Maro, aservant, realizes that, only beasts can leave children behind. She says, They left it behind, the beasts pg 26 Lavrenti, Grusha s brother, is irresponsible and neglects her when he fails to look after her. He marries her off to a total stranger and a dying man it becomes a double tragedy when Jussup does not die and Grusha does not know what to do with a total stranger who is unaware of her plight and yet she cannot marry her lover Simon. As an older brother of Grusha, Lavrenti fails in his responsibility to support her. The monk hired to officiate the wedding is irresponsible. He agrees to join a girl to a dying man. We are surprised that, the monk, a man who should be a role model is upholding morals in a society is called from a tavern. He is drunk. DECEIT, RELIGIOUSITY AND HYPOCRISYReligion refers to having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity on the other hand hypocrisy is deception by pretending to entertain on set of intentions while acting under the influence of another. In The Caucasian Chalk Circle cases of religious hypocrisy are common. Act one of the play begins with Governor Georgi Abashwili going for Easter mass. He is accompanied by his wife Natella, and Michael, their child. Although he would like to pass as a devoted Christian, his regime has oppressed the people it serves. As they enter the church, beggars and petitioners cry over all sorts of problems that bespeaks of a people who have been living in an oppressive regime. They lament, Mercy! Mercy, your Grace! The taxes are too high. I lost my leg in the Persian war....The child is starving in my arms....the water inspector takes bribes...... pg 14 As for the Fat Prince, hypocrisy reigns supreme.


The taxes are too high. I lost my leg in the Persian war....The child is starving in my arms....the water inspector takes bribes...... pg 14 As for the Fat Prince, hypocrisy reigns supreme. He attends church, wishes the Governor a happy Easter Sunday and bows before Michael. He tickles the child after commenting, I love a gay sky.....little Michael is a Governor from head to foot! Pg 15 . He also tells the governor there is good news after so much bad. This is total deception that he is loyal to the Governor s family. Plans to behead the Governor and end Michael s life are already in place. While he directs the soldier to fasten the Governor s head in the middle, he displays his hypocrisy when he says, This morning at the church...Abashwili...I love a gay sky...prefer the lightning that comes out of a gay sky. Pg 28 The Monk who is supposed to be religiously inclined is portrayed as hypocritical. He presides over the wedding between Jussup and Grusha while drunk. He is found in the tavern perhaps taking alcohol by Grusha;s mother-in-law who threatens to expose him. He is also paid to do the same. Even when Jussup fails to take the vows and instead his mother does it on his behalf, he goes hiding and he has to be looked for by the mother-in-law. Being a religious person, his character should be beyond reproach. It smacks of religious hypocrisy for Jussup to go through the rigorous of a wedding, a much valued religious ceremony, yet he knows he is pretending to be a dying man. Grusha is hypocritical because she is not committed to the marriage as she does it for own expediency. The mourners are also hypocritical. They gobble down the cake without being seriously mournful. They seem to expectantly look forward to the death of Jussup. They are sincerely not sad, only greedily wolfing down the funeral cakes. Aniko pretends to have religious principles that she does not possess. In fact, her hypocritical nature is displayed in her meanness. Lavrenti says she is very sensitive, People need only mention ourfarm and she is worried. Pg 48 . Her servants seem to suffer under her as she shouts orders all over. The maid may not be well paid. She once goes to church with a hole in her stocking.


Her servants seem to suffer under her as she shouts orders all over. The maid may not be well paid. She once goes to church with a hole in her stocking. Eversince, Aniko has worn two pairs of stockings in church. She is truly hypocritical, feigning to be concerned about Grusha yet she is not. She has false appearance as a devout woman. Lavrenti isafraid of her. He tells Grusha, You can t stay here long with the child. She id religious, you see. Pg 46 . Aniko id painted as really heartless. She is the exaggerated embodiment of certain aspects of religious opinions. Lavrenti is also hypocritical. He also makes Grusha who is honest to be dehumanized by leading her to engage in a fake wedding. He cannot stand up for his sister but sings to the w hims of Aniko, You need a place to go......because of the child.....have a husband, so people won t talk.....can find you a husband. Pg 48 The mother-in-law is hypocritical. She deceives the mourners that Grusha is a bride to Jussup. She pretends that Grusha came from the city to find Jussup alive. The first woman confidentially seemsto know Jussup is faking illess and near death to avoid conscription to the war. Another feels it would be a blessing if he does not suffer too long; so she wishes he dies especially now he is of no use as a farmer as the corn is ripe and there is no one to harvest. POLITICAL AND SOCIAL TURBULENCEBertolt Bretcht has profoundly raised the issue of political intolerance that has consequently resulted to social instability. The ruling class has no regard for the woes of the have- nots. Poor leadership has led to violence and suffering of both the nobles and the masses. First, we are presented with a desperate and deplorable Caucasian village due to war. It is described as war ravaged and is in ruins, That s where we stopped three Nazi tanks but the apple orchard was already destroyed......Our beautiful daily farm: a ruin. Pg 97 The number of villages have declined and people have relocated to other areas. We are told by a wounded soldier, Comrade, we haven t as many villages as we used to have.


First, we are presented with a desperate and deplorable Caucasian village due to war. It is described as war ravaged and is in ruins, That s where we stopped three Nazi tanks but the apple orchard was already destroyed......Our beautiful daily farm: a ruin. Pg 97 The number of villages have declined and people have relocated to other areas. We are told by a wounded soldier, Comrade, we haven t as many villages as we used to have. We haven t as many hands. Pg 8 The village has been ruined with almost everything being rationed. All pleasures have to be rationed. Tobacco is rationed and wine. Pg 8 People s normal lifestyle is affected as evident when the Goat Herding commune is forced to relocate on orders from the government. They fight to reclaim the land for they are not satisfied with their new grazing land. An old man comments, You can t live there. It doesn t even smell of morning in the morning. Pg 8 Political intolerance has brought fear and insecurity. The girl Tractorist notes that plans to rehabilitate the disputed valley had been conceived during days and nights when they have to take cover in the mountains. She says, Often we hadn t even enough ammunition for our half-dozen rifles. We could hardly lay our hands on a pencil. Pg 10 The effects of political and social turbulences are not restricted to the Caucasian village only. From Arkadi s performance, we learnt that the war in Persia has spilled to the Grusinian people. Under the leadership of the Grand Duke and Governor Georgi Abashwili majority of the poor people have been rendered beggars. The Governor is confronted by many petitioners who are not comfortable in the state of affairs, The children are emaciated. Some people are in clutches while others have been crippled due to the war. They complain about the high taxes and bribery from senior people like the water inspector. The same people cannot win the governor s eye and soldiers cause further suffering when they lash at them with thick whips. The state of the poor is deplorable as evident when the Governor contemplates bringing down their slums in order to create room for his gardens. The political class especially the nobles have no regard to the masses. Michael-The Governor s heir and son- is served by two doctors, He is the apple of the Governor s eye.


The state of the poor is deplorable as evident when the Governor contemplates bringing down their slums in order to create room for his gardens. The political class especially the nobles have no regard to the masses. Michael-The Governor s heir and son- is served by two doctors, He is the apple of the Governor s eye. The governor is not perturbed by the suffering of the people. He is contemptuous even to the people who have to provide him with security briefs from the capital. A rider with confidential papers has to wait until theGovernor attends the Easter Sunday service and the latter attends his visitors-architects- at dinner. It is this indifference that leads the princes to stage a coup and subsequently orders for his execution. The coup comes with numerous harrowing effects. The singer comments: when the house of a great one collapses many little ones are slain. Pg 20 . The servants panic and fear for their lives asillustrated when they ask, what about us? We ll be slaughtered like chickens. As always. ...... There is bloodshed in the city, they say? Pg21 Coup results to people being internally displaced as seen when the Grand Duke flees and seeks refuge at Azdak s place. The Governor s wife is also relocated to safer grounds while Grusha disappears to the Northern Mountains to protect Michael whom the soldiers desperately want to kill. Political instability has bred inhuman and sadistic characters. The soldiers who behead the governor also fasten his head on the wall with nails. Moral conscience is lost among people like the old man who cannot sympathize with Michael. Grusha has to plead to get milk for the baby. He tells her, milk? We have no milk. The soldiers from the city have our goats. Go to the soldiers if you want milk. Pg 31 Grusha is forced to pay two piasters for a drop. The peasant woman whom Grusha thinks will hide the baby from the Iron shirts betrays her by denouncing Michael. She tells the soldiers, Soldier, I didn t know a thing about it. Please don t burn the roof over our heads.....I had nothing to do with it. She left it on my doorstep. Pg 38 The fabric that holds the society together has therefore been dismantled by political instability.


Please don t burn the roof over our heads.....I had nothing to do with it. She left it on my doorstep. Pg 38 The fabric that holds the society together has therefore been dismantled by political instability. ANTAGONISM CONFLICTS DISPUTESA conflict is a disagreement that arises when two or more parties dispute or fail to agree. The Caucasian Chalk Circle addresses a number of these disputes. In the prologue there is a conflict between two land owners over the valley-The Goat Herders Collective Farm and the Fruit Growing Commune. They are arguing over the ownership and usage of the valley. The Goat Herders claim they are the original owners of the valley but have been forced to flee by the government because of war. They have come back because the land they have relocated to is not favourable for their goats. Unfortunately the Fruit Growers have laid elaborate plans for the valley which they will irrigate. They purpose to establish fruit and vine orchards. The delegate from Tiflis helps settle the difference between the two communes. There is a conflict between the princes and the Grand Duke. The princess wants to take over power and leadership from the Duke and his Governors. The conflict leads to staging of a coup where the Grand Duke is exiled and the Governor of Nuka-George Abashwili- is beheaded. The judge of the Supreme Court is hanged and Azdak made the judge. There is conflict between Grusha-Governor s kitchen maid- and Natella Abashwili. They both claim motherhood rights to Michael. Natella claims that she is the biological mother while Grusha claims right over the child since she picked him and nurtured him for two years. The mother claims him out of greed for property. The conflict id resolved by judge Azdak who draws a circle round the child and asks the two to pull the child from the circle. Grusha hesitates twice and the judge rules in her favour. Another conflict develops between Grusha and Jussup. When Grusha gets to her brother s home in the Northern Mountains, Lavrenti- her brother schemes to have her married to a dying man ironically it turns out that Jussup has all along feigned illness to evade war and when news breaks out that the war is over he recovers and Grusha is horrified. She had engaged herself to Simon Shashava and cannot imagine cheating on him.


Another conflict develops between Grusha and Jussup. When Grusha gets to her brother s home in the Northern Mountains, Lavrenti- her brother schemes to have her married to a dying man ironically it turns out that Jussup has all along feigned illness to evade war and when news breaks out that the war is over he recovers and Grusha is horrified. She had engaged herself to Simon Shashava and cannot imagine cheating on him. Jussup complains that she is not fulfilling her matrimonial duties. He argues, Can t the peasant do it herself? Get the brush.....you are my wife and you re not my wife......God has given you sex.. pg 56-57 . The dispute is settled when Azdak gives Grusha a divorce and then she is free to marry Simon. There is conflict between Grusha and Simon when the latter returns from war and finds her at the river washing lines. When he sees Michael, he thinks that she has been unfaithful to him. He gets emotional and walks away. He later on realizes that the baby belonged to Natella. He comes to help her acquire the child during the famous chalk circle. He even lies that he is the father to Michael. Other examples of conflict are between:I Azdak and ShauwaII Azdak and landownersIII The monk and Jussup s motherIV Grusha and the corporalSELF-SACRIFICE AND SELFLESSNESSThis is the act of giving up what one has or wants so that other people can have what they need. It is acting with less concern for yourself than for the welfare or success of others. One cares more about the needs and happiness of other people than their own. Grusha is the best example. When the governor s wife and her personal servant forget Michael, Grusha takes care of him. Other servants advise her to abandon the child for her own good. One old woman tells her, Grusha you re a good soul, but you are not very bright and you know it. Pg 27 Grusha tries to leave Michael but realizes she cannot.


Other servants advise her to abandon the child for her own good. One old woman tells her, Grusha you re a good soul, but you are not very bright and you know it. Pg 27 Grusha tries to leave Michael but realizes she cannot. The singer tells us that after looking at the baby, Grusha hears as if it is telling her, woman it said, Help me pg 28 Despite the danger in town, Grusha watches over the baby the whole night and the next day takeshim with her. On the way she has to buy the baby milk. When the old man sells to her the milk so expensively, she decides not to buy, but on realizing the baby needs it so badly and the journey is long she goes back and buys the milk. The baby s weight weighs on her back but she moves on. She decides to save the baby from starving by leaving it outside the door of a Fat peasant woman. She tells Michael, The peasant woman is kind, and can t you just smell milk pg 34 She hides behind the tree and observes the woman carry the baby into the house. She risks her life when she hits the corporal to save the baby. Again looking round in despair, she sees a log of wood, seizes it, and hits the corporal over the head from behind pg 39 . It is during her escape that she decides to adopt the baby. Grusha risks both their lives on order to get away from the Iron shirt. This is when she reaches Janga-Tau Glacier. No amount of warning can stop her and she crosses the dangerous bridge afterturning the offer by the merchant woman to hide the baby for her. I won t, we belong together.....live together, die together. Pg41 Grusha has to bear the discomfort of her brother s home. She makes another sacrifice as she has to live with a hard to please sister-in-law. To survive she has to be crafty. She tells Michael they have to be As small as cockroaches... the sister-in-law will forget we are in the house. Pg47 Grusha, who is alredy engaged to Simon and has promised to await his return ends up getting married to a dying man Jussup-to make Michael have a legitimate father.


To survive she has to be crafty. She tells Michael they have to be As small as cockroaches... the sister-in-law will forget we are in the house. Pg47 Grusha, who is alredy engaged to Simon and has promised to await his return ends up getting married to a dying man Jussup-to make Michael have a legitimate father. This is another sacrifice that she makes. She endangers her life by following the Ironshirts who have taken Michael. She is a wanted person for having attacked and injured a corporal. What matters to her is Michael. She goes through the court procedure for Michael. It is out of her self-sacrifice that eventually Grusha wins the case. Other characters that make sacrifices for the welfare of other people are; Lavrenti who tries as much as he could to ensure that Grusha is comfortable in his house. Simon commitment to Grusha calls for sacrifice. He has been away for two years and remained loyal to her. Simon s big sacrifice to accompany the Governor s wife as her guard to Tiflis. Shalva the adjutant makes sacrifices when her helps Natella escape during the coup. He remains loyal to the governor s family despite the risks as the public has turned against the authority. SOCIAL CLASS INEQUALITYThere is existence of social classes in the society described in the Caucasian Chalk Circle. There is unfair difference between groups of people in this society. Some are wealthier than others and enjoy a high status or opportunities as opposed to others. The diverse lifestyle enjoyed by the governor and his family is in contrast to the object poverty the lowly citizen has to endure. Georgi Abashwili is rich as Croesus pg 13 had a healthy baby ...so many horses in his stable pg 13 -14 In sharp contrast so many beggars in his door step so many petitioners his courtyard.....He enjoyed his life pg 14 The governor and his beautiful wife go to church guarded by extremely many soldiers who are at his service. Beggars and petitioners pour from the church gateway with complains. They display thin children to the governor, others hold up crutches and petitions. They are a pitiful sight. The social difference is due to the poor governance. The governor s family is expensively dressed.


They are a pitiful sight. The social difference is due to the poor governance. The governor s family is expensively dressed. Natelladerides the poor, For instance on page 18 she says It s impossible to live in such a slum.... When she enters the court, she is relieved that there are no common people: I can t stand their smell. It always gives me a migraine. Pg 88 From the onset, she dislikes Azdak and on pg 89 she says, I disliked that man from the moment I saw him Natella s behaviour is characterized by false pride and an exaggerated sense of self importance. She does not have time for the poor beggars and her servants and only identifies herself. Her contempt for the poor is seen in the court when he sees Michael and laments that he is in rags. The class of people conscripted to fight the Persian war have been maimed, yet they have not been compensated. The down trodden have suffered injustice while they are innocent, My brother is innocent, your Grace misunderstanding -worse still they suffer from hunger. BETRAYALTo betray is to hurt people who trust you especially by not being loyal or faithful to them. When the governor is being arrested, the iron shirts of the place guard who are supposed to guard the governor refuse to obey. They stare coldly and indifferently at the Adjutant and refuse to obey him when he commands them. The doctors betray the Abashwili family immediately they realize the governor has been arrested. Pg 21 on that little brat s account The Fat Prince is with the Governor at the church and even wishes him a happy Easter, yet he is the one who leads the iron shirts in arresting the Governor. Grusha is betrayed by the peasant woman whom she had trusted not to reveal presence of the child. She is also betrayed by her brother. She has been asked by Simon where she would hide and she confidently says she would run to her brother in the Northern Mountains. When she arrives there, her brother cannot host her with the child because he says his wife is religious and cannot host her. Instead of being given a warm welcome, Grusha stays like a fugitive in her brother s house.


She has been asked by Simon where she would hide and she confidently says she would run to her brother in the Northern Mountains. When she arrives there, her brother cannot host her with the child because he says his wife is religious and cannot host her. Instead of being given a warm welcome, Grusha stays like a fugitive in her brother s house. In order to get her out of his house he gets her a dying husband and when he resurrects she finds herself with a husband she does not love. Jussup betrays his fellow young men, the government and his mother when he pretends to be seriously sick so that he doesn t get drafted to war. Simon feels betrayed by Grusha as she has promised to wait until he returns after giving company to Natella and guarding her on the way to the loyal guards. When he comes, she is apparently married and has a child. He does not know the circumstances that lead her to get married or the nature of the marriage. He feels so betrayed that he cannot even get his cross back but directs Grusha to throw it into the stream. Natella betrays her own child and her husband when she escapes leaving Michael in the courtyard. She orders a servant to put down the child in order for the servant to run for her little saffron coloured boots to match with a green dress. The baby is left behind. JUSTICE. In Caucasian Chalk Circle the writer explores on the beauty of fair and reasonable treatment of people. Through the legal system used to punish people is not perfect the people who have committed crimes are somehow brought to justice. Justice is a fundamental thematic concern in the prologue. The meeting between the Goat Herders and the Fruit Growers is meant to determine which people deserve to own the valley. The Goat Herders who formerly owned the land had vacated at the approach of Hitler s armies. Their intended resettlement encounters opposition from Collective Fruit Farmers. With their delegates they sit in a circle signalling their determination to negotiate between themselves in order to reach a fair and reasonable decision without perverting the cause of justice. A delegate from Tiflis presides over the case. Both sides present their arguments as to the reason why they are deserving owners of the valle y. They arrive at a consensus through the voice of reason rather that by the rule of law. The petitioners and beggars bitterly cry for justice. The governor demurs to heed to their pitiable calls for fair treatment.


They arrive at a consensus through the voice of reason rather that by the rule of law. The petitioners and beggars bitterly cry for justice. The governor demurs to heed to their pitiable calls for fair treatment. However, reason does not prevail; the soldiers are guilty of abstracting justice by lashing at the pitiful petitioners. They are heavily taxed and expect the water inspector who takes bribes to be brought to justice. Due to the injustice the people suffer, they are somehow rewarded when the Fat Princes and soldiers plan a coup d tat. The grand Duke and hid governors are overthrown. Although the legal system use to punish people like the Governor and the Fat prince is crude, the people engage in administering justice are convicted that they are justified to put the criminals to the gallows for their heinous crimes. The singer voices the importance of acceptable and appropriate handling of fellow human beings. Although Azdak is a criminal, he argues that he should not be arrested for stealing only a rabbit. He expresses the opinion that Shauwa is a worse criminal for catching people and will be judged by God. Later Azdak denounced himself for committing an unpardonable crime of ignorantly letting the Grand Duke escape. He persuades Shauwa to chain him and take him to be judged in Nuka. He begs to be shred to pieces because he is conscience-stricken. This way justice will prevail. Azdak dispenses justice although not in a fastidious or meticulous manner. It is justice in his own fashion. He harbours a soft heart for the vulnerable and down trodden. He encounters no restrictions of the statute book which he seats on instead of making reference to it. The period of his judging is described as a brief golden age, almost an age of justice. Pg 99 . However, he does not acquaint himself with the legal system of the statute book. He carries not, the professional demeanour of a judge. He presides over a number of cases some are handled simultaneously; Most of the accused are acquitted though proved guilty. The plaintiffs are condemned and fined. Azdak rules in favour of the doctor who is guilty of professional negligence. Azdak turns justice upside down to the relief of the vulnerable. His ruling is controversial. He declares to the Doctor; you have perpetrated an unpardonable error in the practice of your profession; you are acquitted.


Azdak turns justice upside down to the relief of the vulnerable. His ruling is controversial. He declares to the Doctor; you have perpetrated an unpardonable error in the practice of your profession; you are acquitted. Pg 77 Ludovica is accusedof committing an intentional assault yet she is the victim of rape by the stable man who is not sentenced. He acquits the old woman guilty of theft and drinks with the thief, bandit Irakli whom he addresses as pious man. He offers to sit on the floor and offers the judge s chair to the old woman. Shauwa s official designation is prosecutor, however he doubles up as a sweeper. This displays lack of seriousness in court. Sometimes the judge s chair is carried to the tavern where Azdak carries judgement while drinking wine. The singer comments Azdak broke rules to save them pg 82 . He renders verdict to save the poor The poor and the lowly. He dispenses justice in his fashion. When the landowners take law into their hands to get revenge for not getting justice from Azdak, it is his previous human treatment of the Duke that saves him from the gallows. Justices prevails to favour Azdak who is reappointed judge by the order and authority of the Grand Duke who has returned. This dramatic turn of events offers more room for Azdak to preside over other cases such as the famous Chalk Circle. The writer uses Grusha as a vehicle of justice. She fearlessly condemns Azdak for being corrupt. Azdak asks her, You want justice, but do not want to pay for it. Pg 94 . Grusha comments sarcastically, A fine kind of justice pg 94 I d tell you what I think of your justice, you drunken onion! Pg 95 . Grusha is rewarded for her human nature. CHARACTER AND CHARACTERIZATIONA character is a person who takes part in the actions of a work of art. GRUSHA VASHNADZEShe is a kitchen maid in the governor s palace. She is a fianc to Simon Shashava and a sister to Lavrenti Vashnadze. She is the heroine in the play. She rescues Michael who is abandoned by her fleeing mother, Natella after the coup. To survive she makes several sacrifices and choices she stays with him for two years.


She is the heroine in the play. She rescues Michael who is abandoned by her fleeing mother, Natella after the coup. To survive she makes several sacrifices and choices she stays with him for two years. She is described as;a Loving Caring ConcernedShe is concerned about Simon s fate when he is delegated to be Natella s Abashwili s guard after the coup. She says, Isn t it dangerous to go with her. You are a man Simon Shashava what has that woman got to do with you pg 22 She is concerned about the plight of the Governor she asks What have they done with the governor pg 26 When Michael is left behind by his mother Natella. She picks him up to spare him from being killed by the soldiers who are looking for him. She does this despite the fact that other servants at the palace dissuade her to do so pg 27 . She has lain down all her life for the welfare of Michael. B Courageous Bold Daring BraveHer courage has been motivated by her will to defend Michael. She is not afraid even at the law courts. When told by judge Azdak that she would be fined ten piasters for contempt of court she responds, Even if it was thirty, I d tell you what I think of your justice, you drunken onion pg 95 She hits the corporal until he collapses and gets a chance to flee with the child. In a daring move, she crossses the broken bridge despite the impending danger and risks. In the court room, she confronts the Governor s wife and says, You want to hand the child over to her, she wouldn t even know how to keep it dry. She is so refined. Pg 94 Grusha knows how to fight for her rights. C MotherlyShe is more motherly to Michael than his biological mother. When people run to save their lives and forget the baby she sits with the child all through the night until dawn. Then she takes him away. She suckled Michael just like a mother, and realizing that he is not suckling anymore, she goes to the peasant and tells him, The baby must be fed pg 32 At the trial scene, Grusha cannot bring herself to pull Michael from the chalk circle. When asked why she is not participating she says, I brought him up!


Then she takes him away. She suckled Michael just like a mother, and realizing that he is not suckling anymore, she goes to the peasant and tells him, The baby must be fed pg 32 At the trial scene, Grusha cannot bring herself to pull Michael from the chalk circle. When asked why she is not participating she says, I brought him up! Shall I also tear him up to bits? I can t pg 98 This test makes judge Azdak choose the mother who is motherly. Grusha adopts Michael bringing out her deeper feelings as a mother would do. She says Since no one else will take you son....we ll see it through together. Pg 39 She does several selfless actions for the sake of Michael. First, she gives up her money for the child, paying two piasters for milk then goes back to save Michael after leaving him with the peasant woman. She even gets married breaking her promise to Simon. D Defensive AbusiveWhen the governor s wife remarks that Michael is in rags and He must have been in a pigsty pg 97 Grusha retorts, I m not a pig but there are some who are! In the court room when Azdak initially fines her ten piasters for contempt of court, she refers to him as a drunken onion pg 55 E Determined ResoluteShe is determined to keep Michael that when the corporal goes to take a look at Michael, she seizes a log and hits him in the head with it, knocking him down. Her determination is also exemplified when she succeeds in getting across the broken bridge thus risking her life and Michaels. At the court when she is asked by judge Azdak if she would want Michael to go back to her mother so that he can be rich and powerful she says, I won t give him up. I have raised him and he knows me. Pg 17 F PossessiveWhen asked by a cook why she must hold on to the baby at any price when the baby isn t hers she says, He s mine.


Her determination is also exemplified when she succeeds in getting across the broken bridge thus risking her life and Michaels. At the court when she is asked by judge Azdak if she would want Michael to go back to her mother so that he can be rich and powerful she says, I won t give him up. I have raised him and he knows me. Pg 17 F PossessiveWhen asked by a cook why she must hold on to the baby at any price when the baby isn t hers she says, He s mine. I brought him up pg 87 G AppreciativeWhen Simon offers to help her by swearing that the child is his, she says to Simon, Thank You pg 87 H ObedientShe has to miss the Easter Sunday Service to attend to the master. I was dressed to go but they needed another gooses for the banquet. AZDAKInitially he is a village recorder clerk but after he is accidentally chosen to be the judge by the iron shirts. He represents the voice of reason and social justice as he takes from the rich and gives to the poor. He is in charge of determining who the mother will be in the chalk circle. During his initial appearance in stage he is in rags an indication that, he lives in abject poverty. Since he is the village recorder economic hardships triggered by an oppressive and unstable government must have contributed to his degradation. He is a dynamic character who despite his many faults one cannot fail to admire him. Azdak can be described as:-i Intelligent wise skilful knowledgeableHe has firsthand knowledge about political affairs in Persia. He narrates to the iron shirts about the political turbulence in the country, when consulted by the iron shirts about installation of a new judge; he portrays himself as intelligently reasonable and sensible. He proposes that the judge to be appointed should be vetted. Tested to the marrow pg 71 He skilfully sings the song of injustice in Persia in which he is used as a vehicle to highlight evils such as inhumanity, injustice, corruption, economic devastation and poverty. In the play within a play, he intelligently imitates the Grand Duke s accent. His defence is quite impressive. He displays knowledge about how the princes were corrupt and did not lose war because that corruptly made money out of it. War lost but not for the princes. Princes won their war.


He displays knowledge about how the princes were corrupt and did not lose war because that corruptly made money out of it. War lost but not for the princes. Princes won their war. Got 3,863,000 piasters for horses not delivered, 8,240, 000 piasters for food supplies not produced pg 74 The skilful and intelligent way in which he puts up his defence makes him he installed as the judge. As a judge he disguises his intentions well. He asks for payment from the prosecutors and Grusha. As the prosecutors are able to pay him well, they smile with relief thinking that he would be on their side, He seems to be hard on Grusha especially when he says he wants to be told the truth and especially when he tells her, we ll make it short and not listen to any more lies to Grusha especially not yours pg 93 We are surprised when he later rules the case in her favour. He is able to exchange a dialogue using proverbs with Simon to further his argument. When Simon implies that, since he has been given work by the ruling class he thinks he is of the same class, he answers Better a treasure in manure than a stone in a mountain stream pg 94 . He means although the nobility are corrupt, they are providing him with a means of livelihood, rather than when he would be starving with the morally upright people. The idea of the chalk circle is a sign of intelligence on Azdak part as it finally proves that motherhood is not just the biological process but also the emotional attachment one has towards the child. Ii Hospitable Accommodative welcomingHe accommodates an old man in his hut, who turns out to be the Grand Duke. Although he is in rags his generosity is seen when he offers a stranger cheese and a place to sleep. Iii Considerate Judicious SensibleHe listens to both sides giving them chances to explain their side of the story. After the first lawyer has presented his case, Azdak asks Grusha: What is your answer to all this and anything else the lawyer might have to say pg 91 When she just answers that the child is hers, he asks, Is that all? I hope you can prove it.


Iii Considerate Judicious SensibleHe listens to both sides giving them chances to explain their side of the story. After the first lawyer has presented his case, Azdak asks Grusha: What is your answer to all this and anything else the lawyer might have to say pg 91 When she just answers that the child is hers, he asks, Is that all? I hope you can prove it. Why should I assign the child to you in any case? Pg 91 He is sensible when he refuses to divorce a couple who have been married for the last forty years but wants to get divorce simply because they don t like each other. Justice is done when the circle is drawn and the mothers are asked to pull the child out of it. IV Cautious suspicious discerningHe is wary of the way the old beggar behaves and he discerns that the beggar may actually bedisguised do not lick your chops like a Grand Duke.......watching you gives me the most awful ideas.....flogger. Pg 64 When the old man offers to give some hundred thousand piasters, he cannot trust him when he says he does not have the money with him. He handles his guest and the people he interacts with a lot of caution. He does trust the old man, ...In short I don t trust you. Pg 66 v Remorseful contriteHe suffers from guilt conscience and reproachfully denounces himself when he realizes that he had harboured and let the Grand Duke escape. In the name of justice, I ask to be severely judged in public trial. I m contemptible, I am a traitor! A branded criminal. Pg 66 His conscience also pricks him for having treated people injudiciously. I ll have to pay for it. I let the...and ...outs get away with murder. I ll have to pay for it.... pg 84 vi HumorousHe makes a joke in court when it is explained that Grusha is engaged to Simon yet is married to a peasant in the mountain village. He asks whether she did so because Simon was not good in bed. Vii Abusive disrespectful insolentHe insults the old beggar when he discovers that he is not a beggar ...walking swindler!


I ll have to pay for it.... pg 84 vi HumorousHe makes a joke in court when it is explained that Grusha is engaged to Simon yet is married to a peasant in the mountain village. He asks whether she did so because Simon was not good in bed. Vii Abusive disrespectful insolentHe insults the old beggar when he discovers that he is not a beggar ...walking swindler! Peasant flogger and a leech. He tells the old beggar I couldn t hand over a bedbug to that animal pg 65 referring to Shauwa. He insults the iron shirts who have been beating him. He addresses then as dogs living in the dog world. Pg 89 Viii Corrupt unscrupulous undisciplinedHe is overly corrupt. Before he presides over any case he solicits for a bribe when he says, I accept on pg 77 the singer tells us that he is crooked. The way he handles the court cases leaves a lot to be desired. He sits in the judge s chair peeling an apple. He seems overwhelmed by the number of cases he has to handle and so he decides to handle two cases simultaneously. He sometimes presides over serious cases out of the court where the judge s chair has to be carried. He enters from the caravansary...carried pg 77 He presides over another case in the tavern while drinking wine. Instead of referring to the statute book, he sits on itHe sits on the floor and does some personal grooming in the courtroom. Azdak sits on the floor shaving...... pg 83 There isn t a standard way of charging clients and it seems all are charged differently. Grusha is first fined ten, then twenty, then thirty and finally forty. Viii ImmoralOn page 93 while addressing Grusha he says, Is he no good in bed? Tell the truth this is in reference to Simon. In the court, he admonishes Grusha for not, making eye.....and wiggling her backside a little to keep him.....in good temper. Pg 95 GEORGI ABASHWILIHe is the governor of the Grusinian people, Natella s husband and Michael s father.


Viii ImmoralOn page 93 while addressing Grusha he says, Is he no good in bed? Tell the truth this is in reference to Simon. In the court, he admonishes Grusha for not, making eye.....and wiggling her backside a little to keep him.....in good temper. Pg 95 GEORGI ABASHWILIHe is the governor of the Grusinian people, Natella s husband and Michael s father. He is beheaded on Easter Sunday after his brother the Fat Prince successfully stages a coup. He is described as;I Irresponsible inhuman insensitiveHe lacks commitment to the people he is serving. He uses his position to mistreat the poor and the less fortunate in the city of Nuka. The deplorable nature of the beggars and petitioners shows that they have been neglected and are living in abject poverty. He is not interested in the state of war. He ignores a messenger rider from the capital who comes with confidential papers. He will not attend to this matter until after the service. This annoys the rider who, .....turns sharply round and, muttering a curse goes off pg 66 II Hypocritical selfish self-centredHe appears to be more interested in the Easter Sunday service than the people he serves. Christian values dictates that the weak and poor should be considered yet he ignores the many beggars and petitioners who flock the gateway. He is more concerned about his personal interests. He intends to bring down the slums to pave way for his garden. He engages two doctors to take care of his son yet the beggar s children are thin, with scarcely anything to eat. He has accumulated so much wealth around him that the singer compares his richness to Croesus a king of Lydia who was known for his riches His contempt for the poor masses is telling, when he ignores them as he enters the church. III LovingHe refers to his son as the apple of his eye. Two doctors are responsible for him. He is ready to build a whole wing which makes his wife Natella jealous of their son. NATELLA ABASHWILIShe is the wife to Governor Abashwili and biological mother to Michael. When the coup takes place,she leaves behind her child and later, she tries to reclaim him back from Grusha, the lady who salvaged him.


He is ready to build a whole wing which makes his wife Natella jealous of their son. NATELLA ABASHWILIShe is the wife to Governor Abashwili and biological mother to Michael. When the coup takes place,she leaves behind her child and later, she tries to reclaim him back from Grusha, the lady who salvaged him. She is portrayed as;I Materialistic greedyShe is so much concerned with earthly things and wealth that she even forgets her child when she is fleeing. She cannot imagine leaving behind her personal possessions such as dresses. This is done oblivious of the danger she is exposing herself and the servants to. I ve got to take this silver dressit cost a thousand piasters...the wine coloured one? Pg25 She desperately rummages into the trunks looking for her most valuable essentials. She cannot even dream of escaping on a horse back despite prevailing danger. Such nonsense! I wouldn t dream of going on horseback! Pg 25 II Contemptuous Vain proud self-centredHer behaviour is characterised by false pride and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. She does not have time for beggars and her servants. She only identifies herself with people of class. She insults a young woman who already assured her that no harm has come to her dress. Nothing in your head, but making eyes at Shalva....I ll kill you, you bitch. She beats up the young woman. Pg 24 She is offensive by nature. She lacks respect for human beings. She refers to Azdak as a creature. What sort of a creature is that Shalva pg 85 she comments that Michael must have been in pigsty because he is dressed in rags. When she enters the courtroom, she sighs with relief that there is no common man around. She says she cannot stand their smell as it always gives her migraine. She looks at Grusha and asks contemptuously, Is that the creature pg 88 III Careless irresponsibleShe orders the woman holding Michael, Natella s own son to put him down so that she can get her little saffron coloured boots from the bedroom. She is not interested in the child. No wonder the child is left behind as she flees.


She looks at Grusha and asks contemptuously, Is that the creature pg 88 III Careless irresponsibleShe orders the woman holding Michael, Natella s own son to put him down so that she can get her little saffron coloured boots from the bedroom. She is not interested in the child. No wonder the child is left behind as she flees. IV Pretentious HypocriticalThe first lawyer cautions her against speaking disrespectfully about people until they have another judge, she retorts, But I didn t say anything.....I love the people with their simple straight forward minds. It s only that their smell brings on my migraine pg 92 At the courtroom, she pretends that she is very affected by the loss of her child. She describes her loss as, A most cruel fate, sir, forces me to describe to you the fortunes of a bereaved mother s soul, the anxiety, the sleepless nights the....... pg 92 V WickedWhen Azdak is lifted up and dragged under the noose. The governor s wife claps her hands hysterically and comments, I disliked that man from the moment I first saw him. Pg 89 SHAUWAHe is a policeman and a guard that accompanies Azdak to Nuka on request to a court trial. He doubles up as a prosecutor and a sweeper in court during Azdak s term as judge. He can be described as;I Compromising tolerant patientHe does not arrest Azdak for his criminal activity of stealing rabbits. Instead he tries to reason with him, ....When prince s rabbits are stolen......I m a policeman ....should I do with the offending party pg65 . Although Azdak remains stubborn and unwilling to change his behaviour Shauwa is tolerant and patient with this. He tells him, You caught another rabbit....you d promised me it wouldn t happen again. Azdak claims the rabbit should be exterminated. He is oblivious of the tricky circumstance he places Shauwa in. The latter is tolerant and persuasive instead, Azdak don t be hard on me. I ll lose my job if I don t arrest you. I know you re a good heart pg65 .


The latter is tolerant and persuasive instead, Azdak don t be hard on me. I ll lose my job if I don t arrest you. I know you re a good heart pg65 . Shauwa is a policeman with power to arrest Azdak but instead Azdak incriminates him and orders him to go home and repent which Shauwa does. II Obedient Submissive AccommodatingHe cooperates with Azdak who request him to take him to Nuka. He is forced to walk half the night with Azdak to clear the whole thing all by threat. All Shauwa says is, That wasn t nice of you Azdak pg 66 He takes orders from Azdak even in the circumstances when he has the right to rebel. Azdak shouts at him, shut your mouth Shauwa, shauwa does not respond to this angry outburst. Pg 67 He obediently agrees to tell the iron shirts how Azdak had shouted at shoemaker street when ordered to by Azdak. They confronted him in butcher street...Shoemaker Street. That s all pg 67 He is ordered by Azdak to sing with him as he holds the rope around Azdak. He sings. III Agreeable ResponsibleHe appears to be a pleasant person, quite easy to get along with. During the reign of Azdak as judge, he takes responsibility of the difficult duties as being prosecutor and at the same time sweeping and serving Azdak like a servant. He reports to Azdak and does what he is ordered to do. Public prosecutor drop your knife pg 78 Shauwa obeys. Shauwa reports all the cases to Azdak without influencing him and showing any bias. He serves Azdak wine in the tavern. Shauwa brings him wine pg 79 sometimes he reports the cases while sweeping busy sweeping Blackmail pg 76 IV Caring ConcernedWhen the Grand Duke returns and Azdak is scared that he will face the consequences of his actions, Shauwa warns him when he presumes there is danger someone s coming pg 84 SIMON SHASHAVAHe is a soldier of the palace guard who remains at the door when the Governor and his family enter the Church.


Shauwa reports all the cases to Azdak without influencing him and showing any bias. He serves Azdak wine in the tavern. Shauwa brings him wine pg 79 sometimes he reports the cases while sweeping busy sweeping Blackmail pg 76 IV Caring ConcernedWhen the Grand Duke returns and Azdak is scared that he will face the consequences of his actions, Shauwa warns him when he presumes there is danger someone s coming pg 84 SIMON SHASHAVAHe is a soldier of the palace guard who remains at the door when the Governor and his family enter the Church. He is ordered to accompany the governor s wife, Natella Aba shwili as her guard. He isGrusha s betrothedHe is portrayed as:I Loyal obedientHe accepts to accompany the Governor s wife as her guard to Tiflis. He takes up the responsibility despite the risks involved in being identified with the Governor s family. Grusha warns him, isn t it dangerous to go with her pg 21 When ordered by the Adjutant to move, he stands attention and goes off. II Inquisitive CuriousIn his encounter with Grusha, he asks ceaseless questions. May I ask if the young lady still has parents -My second question is this, - is the young lady as healthy as a fish in water. When he comes back from the war and finds Grusha by the river, he wants to know whether she is sill faithful to him and whether the child is hers. III FaithfulFor the two years he is away for war, he remains faithful to Grusha. This explains why he is eager to know the relationship between Michael and Grusha. To show his commitment to Grusha he offers to assist her in the case and even says that Michael is his. IV HumorousHis conversation with Grusha on Pg 17-18 is full of humour. A goose He feigns suspicion I d like to see that goose. I only went for a fish. V Loving concerned responsibleWhen he returns from war, he goes to look for Grusha at the Northern Mountains. He asks her How are things here?