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 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 the Governor 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 as illustrated when they ask, what about us?


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 as illustrated when they ask, what about us? We ll be slaughtered like chickens. As always. ...... There is bloodshed in the city, they say? Pg 21 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. 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.


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 want 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. 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.


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:Azdak and ShauwaAzdak and landownersThe monk and Jussup s motherGrusha 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. 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 takes him 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.


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 after turning the offer by the merchant woman to hide the baby for her. I won t, we belong together.....live together, die together. Pg 41 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. Pg 47 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.


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. Natella derides 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.


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. 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.


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 valley. 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.


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. Pg 77 Ludovica is accused of 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 .


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 described as;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. 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.


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. 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! 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.


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. 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.


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:-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. 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.


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. 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. 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.


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. Cautious suspicious discerningHe is wary of the way the old beggar behaves and he discerns that the beggar may actually be disguised 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 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 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. 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.


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. 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;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.


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 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. 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. She is portrayed as;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 dress-it cost a thousand piasters...the wine coloured one? Pg 25 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 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.


I wouldn t dream of going on horseback! Pg 25 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 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. 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 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.


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 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;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 pg 65 . 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 pg 65 . 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. 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.


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. 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 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 Abashwili as her guard. He is Grusha s betrothedHe is portrayed as: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. Inquisitive CuriousIn his encounter with Grusha, he asks ceaseless questions.


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. 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. 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. 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. Loving concerned responsibleWhen he returns from war, he goes to look for Grusha at the Northern Mountains. He asks her How are things here? Was the winter bearable? When the Governor is toppled and killed he comes to look for Grusha: Grusha! There you are at last! What are you going to do? Pg 21 When he is delegated to accompany Natella by the Adjutant and Grusha complains. He answers That woman has nothing to do with me. I have my orders and I go pg 22 He cares about the welfare of Grusha when he acquires about the parents, whether she is healthy and if she is impatient. He gives Grusha a silver chain to cement their relationship. He is always there for her. Impatient Hot temperedHe does not take time to listen to Grusha s explanation that she has been faithful to him. To him she is married and has a son. He tells her, Give me back the cross I gave you.


Impatient Hot temperedHe does not take time to listen to Grusha s explanation that she has been faithful to him. To him she is married and has a son. He tells her, Give me back the cross I gave you. Better still throw it in the stream. Pg 61 Wise PrudentHe makes use of several proverbs in answer to Azdak A fine day, lets go fishing said the angler to the warm pg 94 A well can t be filled with dew, they say pg 90 AppreciativeWhen he realizes that Azdak has granted Grusha divorce, he is so grateful that he tells the judge that forty piasters are cheap when one considers what he has gained. Cheap at your price, your honour. And many thanks. LAVRENTI VASHNADZEHe is Grusha s brother and husband to Aniko. When Grusha flees to the mountains, he accommodates her and makes arrangement for her to get married to the dying man -Jussup. He is potrayed as;Fearful cowardly timidThe manner in which he quietly and quickly inquires from Grusha whether there is a father to the child indicates that he is fearful. He is intimidated by his wife. Due to this Lavrenti anxiously says that they must think something up. He fears that the priest had questioned Grusha about the child and only gets relieved to hear that Grusha did not tell him anything. He is fearful of the people who are already gossiping about the illegitimate child. Due to the fear of his wife and people he organizes for a fake marriage for Grusha so that people won t talk. So people won t talk pg 49 The singer comments, The cowardly brother.......giver of shelter pg 47 Hospital welcomingWhen Grusha flees to the mountains and finally lands at his home, he welcomes her cordially despite the initial fears he has on how his wife will react. Deceitful dishonest untrustworthy untruthfulHe lies to Aniko that Grusha is on her way to her husband and Grusha says she got married to a man on the other side of the mountain. He plans to steal Aniko s milk money to use it for Grusha s wedding.


So people won t talk pg 49 The singer comments, The cowardly brother.......giver of shelter pg 47 Hospital welcomingWhen Grusha flees to the mountains and finally lands at his home, he welcomes her cordially despite the initial fears he has on how his wife will react. Deceitful dishonest untrustworthy untruthfulHe lies to Aniko that Grusha is on her way to her husband and Grusha says she got married to a man on the other side of the mountain. He plans to steal Aniko s milk money to use it for Grusha s wedding. To cover up his wife s weaknesses, he purports she is sensitive and religious. Crafty cunning schemingIn order to get rid of Grusha, he plans for her marriage with a dying man. He does this secretly without informing his wife. He wants to ensure that they do not suffer shame so he makes people believe that Grusha actually had a husband on the other side of the mountain. People mustn t know anything pg 47 . He organizes the marriage without consulting Grusha initially, only to inform her later about the arrangement. He hides the baby from the monk and only brings out the baby when the ceremony is over for he knows very well that the vows cannot be reversed. ANIKOShe is Lavrenti s wife and a sister-in-law to Grusha. She is portrayed as;Hypocritical pretentiousShe is portrayed as being religious but lacks religious qualities. Grusha arrives at their home worn out and tires, all she is concerned is about Grusha s single status. If your husband s not in the city, where is he....has your husband got a farm...but when will he come back if the war s broken out again as people say? Pg 46 Lavrenti explains to Grusha that she cannot stay for long with them because Aniko is religious. ..... But you can t stay here long with child. She s religious; you see pg 46 Arrogant proudWhen Grusha faints she says, Heavens she s ill what are we going to do....as long....as its not scarlet fever.......if it s consumption we ll get it pg 45-46 She keeps on shouting to the servants Sosso!


If your husband s not in the city, where is he....has your husband got a farm...but when will he come back if the war s broken out again as people say? Pg 46 Lavrenti explains to Grusha that she cannot stay for long with them because Aniko is religious. ..... But you can t stay here long with child. She s religious; you see pg 46 Arrogant proudWhen Grusha faints she says, Heavens she s ill what are we going to do....as long....as its not scarlet fever.......if it s consumption we ll get it pg 45-46 She keeps on shouting to the servants Sosso! Where on earth are you? Sosso! Pg 46 Cold UnwelcomingWhen she is introduced to Grusha instead of welcoming her, she asks I thought you were in service in Nuka....wasn t it a good job? We are told it was. Lavrenti has to defend her to Grusha She has a good heart. But wait till after supper pg 46 Grusha even has to tell Michael, Michael we must be clever, if we make ourselves as small as cockroaches. The sister-in-law will forget we re in the house and then we can stay till the snow melts pg 47 MOTHER-IN-LAWShe is the mother to Jussup. She makes arrangement with Lavrenti to have his sister married to her son Jussup on his deathbed She is portrayed as;Materialistic greedyShe is to be paid by Lavrenti 400 piasters for having Grusha marry Jussup. When she discovers that there is a child, Lavrenti has to offer 200 piasters more and she readily agrees to have the marriage take place My Jussup doesn t have to marry a girl with a child...all right make it another 200 piasters. Pg 50 . She hires a cheap monk to perform the wedding in order to save. She saved on the priest the wretch. Hired a cheap monk pg 50 OpportunisticTakes advantage of her son s illness to make money by marrying him off on his deathbed. The son of this peasant woman is going to die.... How much does the peasant want?


Hired a cheap monk pg 50 OpportunisticTakes advantage of her son s illness to make money by marrying him off on his deathbed. The son of this peasant woman is going to die.... How much does the peasant want? Four hundred piasters pg 49 she also gets a chance to add more money when she discovers that the bride has a child-Lavrenti has to add two hundred piasters more. Hypocritical dishonestWhen she sees Grusha with the child, she weeps, saying that her people are honest and she does not want to live with the shame. She makes the monk accept that Jussup has accepted the marriage: Of course he is! Didn t you hear him say yes? Pg 51 PretentiousWhen she arrives with the monk, she tells the guests I hope you won t mind waiting a few moments? My son s bride has just arrived from the city. An emergency wedding is about to be celebrated pg 51 . Grusha has not arrived from the city nor is she her sons beloved. When the monk and she enter the bedroom, she tells him, I might have known you couldn t keep your trap shut pg 51 . This means she is not amused by the arrival of the guests. When the monk inquires about the child, she tells him, Is there a child? I don t see a child...you understand? Pg 52 ARSEN KAZBEKIHe is referred to as the Fat Prince. He is a brother to the Governor. He plots and stages a coup, with the help of ironshirts that leads to the killing of his brother-The Governor. When the Grand Duke returns after two years he is deposed and beheaded. He is portrayed as;Hypocritical insincereHe pretends to be so much pleased with the governor s family that he bows and remarks sarcastically that Michael is a governor from head to foot. He hypocritically terms George s intention of bringing down slums to pave room for the garden, good news. Good news after so much bad pg 5 He has instigated war against the Grand Duke and the Governor; He intends to overthrow the government. He then claims that the universally loved judge has been hanged. My friends, we need peace, peace in Grusinia! And justice!


He then claims that the universally loved judge has been hanged. My friends, we need peace, peace in Grusinia! And justice! So I ve brought along my dear nephew Bizergan Kazbeki pg 71 He pretends that he wants the ironshirts to confer and democratically decide who should be judge yet at the same time informs his nephew, Don t worry my little fox. The job s yours pg 71 . More so he intends to ignore the Ironshirts once the Grand Duke is arrested. He tells his nephew and when we catch the Grand Duke, we won t have to please this rabble any longer. Pg 71 Sadistic callous inhumanHe schemes for the murder of the Governor and once he is executed, he orders the drunken soldiers to fasten his head on the wall using nails. He desperately looks for Michael so that he can kill him. He comments, It s a pity they took the brat along though, I need him, urgently pg 28 Crafty scheming cunningHe schemes to install his nephew as judge by influencing the Iron shirts but they stage a rehearsal with the nephew acting as judge. He tells the nephew. It isn t customary....who got there first. Pg 72 CorruptHe fights for his nephew to be installed as judge. The iron shirts outwit him in his own game and the position goes to Azdak. GreedyHis plan to overthrow the system run by the Grand Duke is motivated by greed for power. He even kills the Governor, his brother, and act that shows the extent hunger for control and power can push one to. Since evil begets evil, he is executed the same way he killed his brother. LANGUAGE AND STYLEStyle in literature can be described as how the author uses literary elements such as words, sentence structure and figurative language to describe events, ideas and objects in their work. Stylistic devices refer to a variety of techniques used by writers. PLAY WITHIN A PLAYPlay within a play involves having another play within the main play. It is important as it helps in plot development, bringing out various themes and character traits.


Stylistic devices refer to a variety of techniques used by writers. PLAY WITHIN A PLAYPlay within a play involves having another play within the main play. It is important as it helps in plot development, bringing out various themes and character traits. The play The Caucasian Chalk Circle is three stories presented in one; The story of the Goat Herders and Fruit farmers,The story of Grusha and Michael and The story of Azdak as the judge.these are thus presented as plays within the main play. The story of The Caucasian Chalk Circle , borrowed from a Chinese tale is presented as a play within a play. There is a meeting of the delegates who are trying to resolve the puzzle of who owns the piece of land between the fruit farmers and the goat keepers. When an agreement is reached, the peasant woman on the left invites Arkadi Tscheidse, the singer, to entertain them. There is also a play within a play when Michael and other children enact the beheading of the Governor. It is used to show the extent of evil in society as the children who are so innocent clearly portray it. Michael refusing to be the one to be beheaded shows he is the chip off the old block-the Governor s son. It is also a satire of criticism of the senseless and cruel behaviour in the society. The play within a play is used to bring out the self sacrificing nature of Grusha. As seen when she takes care of Michael as he own son, through it various stylistic techniques such as use of song, Irony and flash back are evident. Various themes such as hypocrisy, negligence of duty among others are also brought out. The story of Azdak the judge is also a play within a play. It begins when Azdak helps the old beggar who late turns out to be the Grand Duke. It ends with Azdak judging Grusha s and Natella s case using The Caucassian Chalk Circle. This play within a play exemplifies the themes of justice, abuse of power and greed. Another play within a play is when the Fat Prince wishes to appoint his nephew Bizergan Kazbeki, as the judge. He requests the drunken Iron shirts to vet him. They perform a mock trial which involves Azdak who poses as the Grand Duke and the nephew poses as the judge. The Iron shirts takes up the roles of the people who have come to listen to the proceedings of the case.


He requests the drunken Iron shirts to vet him. They perform a mock trial which involves Azdak who poses as the Grand Duke and the nephew poses as the judge. The Iron shirts takes up the roles of the people who have come to listen to the proceedings of the case. Azdak is blames of running the war badly but he instead blames the princes rather than himself. He is able to make several successful attacks on the prince s corruption. Here, we learn how the princes mismanaged the war and blamed it on the Grand Duke. The nephew fails to make a judgement since he is out-witted by Azdak and the ironshirts unanimously settle on Azdak as the judge. The first ironshirt tells him, Go to the judge s seat! Now sit in It! Pg 74 JUXTAPOSITION CONTRASTThis is a stylistic feature used by writers to put people or things side by side in order to show the contrast or their differences. This style has been used to enhance dramatic effect. The act of Governor George Abashwili entering the church is juxtaposed with the image of the soldiers pushing the common people out of the way. This contrast undermines the religious significance of going to church. This is exemplified when the soldier says, Get back! Clear the church door. Pg 14 Grusha buys milk for Michael and pays two piasters. This is her week s salary. This amount of money used is a sacrifice for Michael. This contrasts the 100,000 piasters offered to Azdak by the Duke for one night lodging ....persuasion! Pay hundred thousand piasters one night, I tell you...where are they? Pg 64 . This contrast is meant to bring to fore the glaring gap between the rich and the poor. This satirises the society that puts more value on money to show the difference in the levels of wealth in social classes. Consequently, Azdak uses his position to take from the rich and give the poor. Thus, he fines the rich invalid, The Blackmailer, the innkeeper, and the farmers all of whom are wealthy. During the wedding of Jussup and Grusha, the monk says, Dear wedding and funeral guests! Pg 53 . This depicts two contrasting life eventualities, one representing continuity and the other- end.


Thus, he fines the rich invalid, The Blackmailer, the innkeeper, and the farmers all of whom are wealthy. During the wedding of Jussup and Grusha, the monk says, Dear wedding and funeral guests! Pg 53 . This depicts two contrasting life eventualities, one representing continuity and the other- end. There is also an instance of juxtaposition where the goat and fruit farmers are placed side by side to establish the deserving owners of the valley. Natella and Grusha are juxtaposed to establish the difference in level of love: true motherly love for a child and love for material wealth out of the peril of the child. Other characters that have been contrasted are Lavrenti with his wife Aniko, Simon and Grusha, Grusha and other peasants working for the Governor, among others. HUMOURDespite the occurrence of serious issues explored within the play, there are humorous incidents. We are presented with doctors; Mika Loladze and Mishiko Oboladze. They are in charge of Michael and quarrel over trivial issues. May I remind you.....that I was against the lukewarm bath ....more likely a sight draft during the night. Your Grace....no cause for concern, your Grace. Pg 15-16 It is humorous that these two doctors described as dignified would quarrel over Michael s coughing. In another comic episode, the two argue over whom will take charge of Natellla now that she has fainted after chaos and death erupt in the palace. Niko Mikadze, it is your duty as a doctor to attend Natella Abashwili....you neglect your duty........ pg 21 It is humorous to find the two going to an extent of fighting in the middle of a catastrophe. This humour serves to lessen the tension that is created when George is assassinated. It also brings out the character of the two doctors as incompetent and irresponsible characters. When Simon encounters Grusha, there is humour when he says he watches over her as she washes linen by the willows, There s more.


This humour serves to lessen the tension that is created when George is assassinated. It also brings out the character of the two doctors as incompetent and irresponsible characters. When Simon encounters Grusha, there is humour when he says he watches over her as she washes linen by the willows, There s more. Your toes and more....your foot and a little more.... pg 18 There is humour when a drunken peasant sings, There was a young woman who said: I thought I d be happier, wed but my husband is old and remarkably cold so I sleep with a candle instead pg 54 When Shauwa knocks at the door, Azdak says that he is not in. Azdak explains himself to Shauwa possibly to escape the arrest. .... Shauwa don t talk about things you don t understand. The rabbit is dangerous and destructive beast. It feeds on plants especially on the species of plants known as weeds. It must therefore be exterminated, he adds, I........man is made in God s image. Not So a rabbit....I m a rabbit-eater, but you re a man eater...go home and repent. Pg 65 SATIRESatire refers to the way a writer ridicules an individual or the society in a humorous way, with an aim of bringing desirable change. The playwright exposes weakness of leaders who have been entrusted with power and fail to do what is expected of them. People are oppressed and live in misery. The beggars and petitioners are crying that they do not have enough to eat and they feel neglected. The policing administration is criticized for the inhuman treatment of the suffering lot. They lash them with whips to keep them away from the Governor and his family instead of sympathizing with their plight. The governor and his wife pretend to be religious yet they display their contempt for the lowly class. The governor is a political leader but surprisingly, lacks interest in political matters. He ignores the rider who has confidential papers from the capital in preference to personal matters. Instead, he meets the architects to discuss building plans. The governor is ignorant of serious issues such as a meeting held by princes in the capital in which a coup was planned, ironically, one of the architects is fully aware of the plan to overthrow the Grand Duke and his Governors. Pg 15 . His political nature is being ridiculed because being in political position means he ought to accord political matters serious consideration.


The governor is ignorant of serious issues such as a meeting held by princes in the capital in which a coup was planned, ironically, one of the architects is fully aware of the plan to overthrow the Grand Duke and his Governors. Pg 15 . His political nature is being ridiculed because being in political position means he ought to accord political matters serious consideration. The police administration s brutality is criticized for the inhuman treatment of the suffering lot. They lash them with whips to keep them away from the Governor and his family instead of sympathizing with their plight. The Fat prince pretends to be so much pleased with the governor s family that he even bows and remarks sarcastically that Michael is a governor from head to foot and yet he had planned to kill the Governor that very day. When he tells the Governor he loves a gay sky, he is not sincere. Aniko, wife to Lavrenti and sister-in-law to Grusha claims to be religious, However, she is presented as mean, egocentric, selfish and inhospitable. She bullies around her husband and tries to throw Grusha out of the house as she fears what the neighbours will say for hosting an unmarried woman with a child. The monk s religious hypocrisy is also satirized. He is expected to be religiously inclined but he has many weaknesses. He oversees Grusha s marriage to Jussup while drank. He is actually paid to perform the ceremony but as a monk, he is expected to devote his life and time to religious matters, which he does not. The Governor s wife is satirized through her vain behaviour. She does not have time for the poor beggars and her servants and only identifies herself with people of class. After the coup her main concern is the clothes she is going to carry, only essential!.......the green one! And of course, the one with far trimming..... pg 24 On the same page she adds, ........get my little saffron-coloured boots..... I need them for green dress. In haste to save her dresses, she leaves her son Michael as she flees. When Michael coughs Natella s attention is drawn to him and she wants to know what is up. She even asks her husband whether he had heard the baby cough. She then givens a stern warning and advises the two doctors in charge of the child to be more careful.


I need them for green dress. In haste to save her dresses, she leaves her son Michael as she flees. When Michael coughs Natella s attention is drawn to him and she wants to know what is up. She even asks her husband whether he had heard the baby cough. She then givens a stern warning and advises the two doctors in charge of the child to be more careful. When he sees Michael after he is brought in by the ironshirts, she remarks that He s in rags pg 97 Natella has very low regard for the underprivileged. Pg 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 migraine. Pg 88 From the onset, she dislikes Azdak and pg 89 she says, I disliked that man from the moment I first saw him. This foreshadows the fact that she may not get a fair judgement from him. IRONYIrony refers to an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs or is. It is also the use of words that convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning. There are different types of irony for example verbal irony where the speaker says direct opposite of what is meant. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows facts in a text which a character in the text is ignorant of. Other types of irony are situational, comic and tragic irony. The playwright has used this style in several areas in The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The irony of situation is that George Abashwili, the Governor plans to remodel and enlarge his palace. ..... In the afternoon his Excellency will confer with prominent architects. Pg 19 He even proposes to pull down the peasant shacks on the estate. Natella says, All those wretched slums are to be torn down to make room for a garden. Pg 15 . This is ironical in that this will be a garden for the privileged at the expense of the poor majority. Irony is further seen when this same estate is confiscated for the state at the court when Azdak declares it would be given to the people and made into a play ground for children.


Natella says, All those wretched slums are to be torn down to make room for a garden. Pg 15 . This is ironical in that this will be a garden for the privileged at the expense of the poor majority. Irony is further seen when this same estate is confiscated for the state at the court when Azdak declares it would be given to the people and made into a play ground for children. He says, ....your estates fall to the city...Azdak s gardens. Pg 98 Also the Governor s plans do not pull through because he is executed that afternoon. The Play Wright uses the noble child Michael, to bring out irony. Being the only son to the Governor, he has two doctors for his medical care. It is ironical when the coup takes place, the doctors Niko Mikadze and Nika Loladze abandon the child. Mika says, ......Do you really think ......little brat s account? Pg 21 . The situational irony is that the child has two doctors while the common people are suffering. The Governor s wife, who thinks that the Governor pays more attention to Michael than to her, is more concerned with her elegant dresses and forgets her baby. Ironically, Grusha a servant girl saves the child from being killed by the Fat Prince. She is more willing to be a guardian to the infant than her wealthy mistress. The biological mother of the child. The incident when Grusha plans to abandon Michael at the doorstep of a peasant woman s house has been developed through use of irony. Grusha s plans are well intentioned since she thinks the peasant will be kind enough to give Michael milk and she assumes that are far enough from the city. This is exemplified when she says, now you have wet yourself again...you can t ask that can you? Pg 34 . Irony is brought to the fore when her thoughts are displayed in the chorus, because I am single....someone who s newly poor. Pg 35 . When she meets the ironshirts she runs back to save Michael. Ironically, her plan with the peasant woman betrays Grusha, who hits the corporal over the head with a log of wood just to save Michael. When Grusha manages to cross the rotten bridge, she laughs her way to freedom and shows the Ironshirts the child.


When she meets the ironshirts she runs back to save Michael. Ironically, her plan with the peasant woman betrays Grusha, who hits the corporal over the head with a log of wood just to save Michael. When Grusha manages to cross the rotten bridge, she laughs her way to freedom and shows the Ironshirts the child. Ironically, this freedom does not last for long as she suffers in her brother s house because of Michael. She is too weak to walk and her sister-in-law who is portrayed to be religious ironically does not apply the religious principles but uses religion as an excuse to kick Grusha out of her home. Lavrenti only allows Grusha to live in his house over winter. Due to the same reasons he has given to his religious wife over Grusha s marital status, Lavrenti forces Grusha to marry a dying man from the other side of the mountains. This is especially because of the presence of the illegitimate child. The irony of the situation is that the brotherly love that Grusha had expected from Lavrenti is not forthcoming; he ends up complicating Grusha s live when he organizes for the fake wedding. Jussup, Grusha s dying husband, illness is developed in an ironic manner. The peasants comment on Jussup s health status. They initially thought Jussup was faking illness in order to avoid being drafted in to war. They regret having felt that way because Jussup really appears about to die. When the guests continue to talk and eat, one of them remarks that the army can no longer draft anyone as the war is over. Jussup suddenly sits up in bed; the most ironic possible scenario of his death is no more. He is alive and kicking. Azdak s judgement at the court is presented in an ironic manner. Brecht has used this style to point out that Azdak is a disappointed man and would not cause disappointment to others. The judgment pronounced on the cases in ironical. The doctor who operates a patient on the wrong leg is acquitted for perpetrating an unpardonable error on his practice.


Brecht has used this style to point out that Azdak is a disappointed man and would not cause disappointment to others. The judgment pronounced on the cases in ironical. The doctor who operates a patient on the wrong leg is acquitted for perpetrating an unpardonable error on his practice. The farmer who accuses the old man for receiving his stolen animal is fined five hundred piasters and ironically the suspect is made to sit the same table with the judge ....you granny and you....and Azdak! Pg 82 Natella, the Governor s wife, is using the child Michael as a means of acquiring inheritance. Her claim that she is the mother of Michael is not due to her motherly love. The Chalk Circle brings out an ironic twist when Grusha does not pull Michael. Ironically, Natella the real mother rushes to pull the child but Grusha says, I brought him up! Shall I also tear him into bits? I can t! Pg 98 This determined the deserving mother as the one who is motherly. USE OF IMAGERYImagery refers to the use of figurative language to represent ideas, objects or actions. It can also be defined as the use of descriptive language that appeals to our senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. This is mainly done through metaphors and similes. MetaphorsA metaphor is a figure of speech in which an expression word or phrase which ordinarily refers to one thing is used to denote another in order to suggest a similarity. It suggests the likeness between the two. The girls Tractorist says, I started the fire myself, This means she started the onslaught herself against the Nazis. Pg 97 There is also reference to a bloody time pg 13 . This denotes time of war characterized by violence and death. In the chorus pg 32 , the ironshirts pursuing Grusha are likened to bloodhounds , dogs that are known for their powerful sense of smell. On page 65, Azdak likens the old man grand prince to a bedbug to suggest he is a pest Azdak thinks it is Ludovika who assaults the stable man with a dangerous weapon which means she is provocative.


This denotes time of war characterized by violence and death. In the chorus pg 32 , the ironshirts pursuing Grusha are likened to bloodhounds , dogs that are known for their powerful sense of smell. On page 65, Azdak likens the old man grand prince to a bedbug to suggest he is a pest Azdak thinks it is Ludovika who assaults the stable man with a dangerous weapon which means she is provocative. The Fat prince refers to his nephew my little fox pg 71 to hint at his traits and to show how confident he is that he will be made the judge. SimilesThis is a figure of speech that directly compares two things that are related using connective words such as like , as or resembles The Governor Georgi Abashwili is described thus: He was rich as Croesus, pg 7 this compares him to the king of Lydia who was defeated by Persians and was known for his immense wealth, his name is synonymous with wealth. The singer castigates the insensitive leaders thus: O blindness of the great! They go their way like gods..... pg 20 After the coup, the servants say among themselves, we ll be slaughtered like chickens, as always pg 21 . This suggests they are not safe. Simon asks Grusha, Is the lady as healthy as a fish in water? Pg 22 . Grusha is compared to a thief, probably for the reader to pass judgement on whether she is justifies to take Michael, we are told: As if she was a thief she crept away! Pg 29 When Grusha is sheltered at her brother s house, she tells Michael that they should make themselves as small as cockroaches pg 47 to escape the wrath of her sister-in-law.


Simon asks Grusha, Is the lady as healthy as a fish in water? Pg 22 . Grusha is compared to a thief, probably for the reader to pass judgement on whether she is justifies to take Michael, we are told: As if she was a thief she crept away! Pg 29 When Grusha is sheltered at her brother s house, she tells Michael that they should make themselves as small as cockroaches pg 47 to escape the wrath of her sister-in-law. Indeed, Lavrenti remarks, why are you sitting there muffled up like coachmen.... pg 48 To suggest that she cannot run away from Michael, Grusha tells him, I came by you as the peat trees comes by sparrows pg 49 Azdak says law is a sensitive organ, .....like the spleen, in delivering justice, we are told by the singer he, Broke law like bread he gave them. Pg 82 SONGSMany songs have been sung by Arkadi and other characters in the play. Some are at the beginning of the scene, others within the scene and at the end of the scene. The governor is introduced through a song. Before we meet him, we are told about what king of a person he is as follows:- He was rich as CroesusHe had a beautiful wifeHe had a healthy baby pg 13 We learn that he has many beggars and petitioners whom he ignores. This song juxtaposes the rich governor with the majority poor folks who wait for hand outs in form of coins which are distributed by a servant. Simon Shashava, the soldier, and Grusha, a kitchen maid are also introduced to us before we meet them. We learn of their relationship. The song on pg 18 is summative. It summarizes the action. The Governor s palace foreshadows restlessness. The palace is said to be a fortress but is surrounded by soldiers. We anticipate the death of the Governor. ..... Noon was the hour to die. These words are followed by the appearance of the Fat Prince. The stage is set for the execution of the Governor by the Fat Prince. The tension surrounding the Governor s execution is found in the song on pg 20 , in the song, stage directions are given e.g.


.....Noon was the hour to die. These words are followed by the appearance of the Fat Prince. The stage is set for the execution of the Governor by the Fat Prince. The tension surrounding the Governor s execution is found in the song on pg 20 , in the song, stage directions are given e.g. ....look about you once more blind man! Grusha s action of taking the abandoned Michael is brought out through a song. She is drawn to Michael and decides to save him though this is risky. In the song, she does what the singer says. Grusha s flight into the mountains with Michael is captures in a song. She sang a song and bought milk on the way, The song pre-empts the action of bargaining for milk with the old man. The risky flight with iron shirts following Grusha is underscored pg 32 . They hunt for the fleeing due, never tire and sleep a little. Iron shirts feelings are captured in their song. They go into war leaving behind their lovers pg 33 . The song on pg 35 reveals Grusha mixed feelings of happiness and sadness after she abandons Michael at the peasant s doorstep. Azdak sings the song of injustice in Persia which was sang to him by his grandfather. It shows instances of injustice and the effects of the war: why don t our sons breed anymore?....Our men are carried to the ends of the earth, so that the great ones can eat at home.....The battle was lost, the helmets were paid for. Pg 68 The song of the chaos in Egypt pg 83 finally brings out the emancipation of the masses from the oppression and misrule of the ruling class. For instance it says, ...who had no bread at all have full granaries... pg 84PROVERBS AND WISE SAYINGSMany proverbs have been used by the playwright. The capability to use proverbs in one s conversation is interpreted as a sign of wisdom. It also shows masterly of one s own language since proverbs and wise sayings require comprehension of metaphors, similes and symbols in one s community.


For instance it says, ...who had no bread at all have full granaries... pg 84PROVERBS AND WISE SAYINGSMany proverbs have been used by the playwright. The capability to use proverbs in one s conversation is interpreted as a sign of wisdom. It also shows masterly of one s own language since proverbs and wise sayings require comprehension of metaphors, similes and symbols in one s community. When Grusha points out to Simon that it must be dangerous for him to accompany Natella Abashwili as her guard on her flight, he replies with a wise saying- in Tiflis, they say: Isn t the stabbing dangerous for the knife? Pg 21 means as the knife stabs what it is supposed to, it is also in danger of breaking or bending but it still stabs anyway. Likewise, a soldier protects others despite the danger despite the danger he exposes himself. When they meet in the courtyard and Grusha is rushing to collect her personal effects, She accepts Simon s proposal long before he even proposes. Simon feels embarrassed and responds, haste, they say is the wind that blows down the scaffold a temporary building built for workers round a building that is being constructed, If they are blown away then the builders will not be able to build the permanent structure as they will have no where to stay just like Grusha and Simon will not have a marriage if she is not patient enough to listen to the information that will cement that relationship. When Michael and other boys are playing the game of cutting off the Governor s head, the other children want Michael to play the Governor s role of just bending and his head is cut off but Michael adamantly refuses and says he wants to be the person to cut off. The other children disagree but Michael is adamant so when they shout to Grusha that Michael won t play his part, Grusha laughs and says, Even the little duck is a swimmer, they say. Pg 58 Meaning even though Michael is young, you cannot command him since he is the son of a Governor and so others do what he demands and not vice versa. When Azdak discovers that the fleeing duke is not a peasant but a land owner he orders him out but the Duke make him a proposition.


When Michael and other boys are playing the game of cutting off the Governor s head, the other children want Michael to play the Governor s role of just bending and his head is cut off but Michael adamantly refuses and says he wants to be the person to cut off. The other children disagree but Michael is adamant so when they shout to Grusha that Michael won t play his part, Grusha laughs and says, Even the little duck is a swimmer, they say. Pg 58 Meaning even though Michael is young, you cannot command him since he is the son of a Governor and so others do what he demands and not vice versa. When Azdak discovers that the fleeing duke is not a peasant but a land owner he orders him out but the Duke make him a proposition. Azdak finds this to be the height of insolence and responds, The bitten man scratches his fingers bloody, and the leech that s biting him makes him a proposition! Pg 64 . This implies that the landowners have been exploiting the peasants and the low class and when a chance comes up for the exploited to free themselves; the exploiters make a proposition so that they can go on exploiting the masses and maintain their status quo. When waiting for trial, the cook asks Grusha why she is holding on to the child at any price yet the child is not hers. She explains how she first just expected to give the child away but later thought that Natella, the mother, wouldn t come back and the cook responds, An even borrowed coat keeps a man warm hm? Pg 87 . This implies that, even if Grusha knows the child was not hers, the feeling that the child belonged to her is fulfilling. After Azdak is reinstated as a judge and openly demands for a bribe, the prosecutors who have been worried smile with relief. The cook is worried but Simon comments A well can t be filled with dew, they say pg 90 . In his argument to prove that Natella abashwili deservers to be given the child instead of Grusha who claims to have brought him up, he quotes , Blood, as a popular saying goes is thicker than water. Pg 60 There is a heated exchange of proverbs between Azdak and Simon when Grusha thinks Azdak enacts to give Natella the child simply because she is too poor to pay legal fees.


After Azdak is reinstated as a judge and openly demands for a bribe, the prosecutors who have been worried smile with relief. The cook is worried but Simon comments A well can t be filled with dew, they say pg 90 . In his argument to prove that Natella abashwili deservers to be given the child instead of Grusha who claims to have brought him up, he quotes , Blood, as a popular saying goes is thicker than water. Pg 60 There is a heated exchange of proverbs between Azdak and Simon when Grusha thinks Azdak enacts to give Natella the child simply because she is too poor to pay legal fees. Azdak argues that the poor are able to give the butcher his dues but not the judge, Simon quotes- When the horse was shod, the horsefly held out its leg. Pg 94 . This means Azdak who is poor as they are or in the same class, is now counting himself among the ruling class. Azdak replies, Better a treasure in manure that a stone in a mountain stream pg 94 . Although a mountain stream has very clean water an ordinary stone in it is worthless but a treasure in a manure can be retrieved and utilized. When one is poor, no matter how morally upright one is, one is worse off than a rich, corrupt person. Simon replies by saying, Let s go fishing said the angler to the worm, pg 94 meaning that just like the angler would benefit, Azdak would just be used by the rulers to oppress the poor and Azdak might as well end up being devoured just like the worm. By Azdak replying that, I m my own master, said the servant; and cut off his foot, means one does not have to do outrageous activities to prove that one is independent minded. Simon replies by showing that, people are able to see through their tormentors hypocrisy when the latter professes to love the farmer and therefore still give them their due. This is proved when he says, I love you as a father said the Czar to the peasants, and had the Czarevitch s head chopped off.


By Azdak replying that, I m my own master, said the servant; and cut off his foot, means one does not have to do outrageous activities to prove that one is independent minded. Simon replies by showing that, people are able to see through their tormentors hypocrisy when the latter professes to love the farmer and therefore still give them their due. This is proved when he says, I love you as a father said the Czar to the peasants, and had the Czarevitch s head chopped off. Azdak knows that despite the appearance, he is still on the poor people s side yet Simon does not realize this, so that is why he concludes the discussion by saying, A fool s worst enemy is himself. Pg 94 From all the above, it is important to note that, the cook, Grusha, Azdak and Simon are the only people who portray positive traits in the society. They portray a sense of wisom as seen when they are highlighted as the only characters that employ proverbs and wise sayings. ALLUSIONAllusion refers to a passing reference or indirect mention of something or someone the reader is expected to know. The playwright alludes to the king of Lydia 560 BC-547BC who was defeated by Persians and was known for his immense wealth on pg 7. We are told that the Governor Georgi Abashwili was,.... rich as Croesus. The girls tractorist also quotes the poet Vladimir Mayakovsy, pg 10, a Georgian born in 1883. He wrote the poems, The Cloud and I which are among the most popular during his time. Singer alludes to Jesus when he remarks, And now you don t need an architect, a carpenter will do, pg 20 . The Governor needs Jesus to save him from his predicament. The play infers from both a Chinese play Circle of chalk written in 1300 AD and a biblical story The judgement 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.


The play infers from both a Chinese play Circle of chalk written in 1300 AD and a biblical story The judgement 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. SARCASMThis is the use of humorous language to ridicule or to convey scorn, especially saying one thing but implying the opposite. The Fat Prince is sarcastic when he says, And little Michael is a governor from head to foot! Tititi! Pg 15 . Simon is sarcastic when he tells Grusha: Why shouldn t I wash the linen by the willows! That s good, really good! Pg 17 . On pg 18, the singer says, And the goose was plucked and roasted But the goose was not eaten this time. This refers to the killing of the Governor and draws an analogy to the goose Grusha kills for the Governor s family. When the singer says, And now you don t need an architect, a carpenter will do, pg 20 , the playwright is sarcastic towards religion as this alludes to the fact that the Governor needs Jesus, who was a carpenter to intervene on this Easter Sunday. This will of course not happen. The dying man refers to Grusha as, A nice thing you ve saddled me with! A simpleton for a wife! Pg 57 When Grusha is fined ten pisters for using indecent language in court, she sarcastically lambasts Azdak and his corrupt ways by saying, A fine kind of Justice!


The dying man refers to Grusha as, A nice thing you ve saddled me with! A simpleton for a wife! Pg 57 When Grusha is fined ten pisters for using indecent language in court, she sarcastically lambasts Azdak and his corrupt ways by saying, A fine kind of Justice! You play fat and loose with us because we don t talk as refined as that crowd with their lawyers pg 94 SYMBOLISMSymbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas. The silver chain Simon gives Grusha is symbolic pg 28 . It is a symbol of the bondage between the two. When Grusha hears that the war is over and the soldiers are back, she kneels down in prayer and kisses the chain. Later, Simon suspects that Grusha is married to another man and he asks for the chain. On pg 81, Azdak, enacts the old woman as granny Grusinia. She is a symbol of a nation that has fallen prey of the greedy citizens the three farmers who deprives it all that it owns her sons . She symbolises a nation that seeks justice. The Chalk Circle drawn to help Azdak, the judge, comes up with as a rational decision on who should have the child is a symbol of truth. Ironically, his methods of justice are not by the Book of Statutes he sits on. Therefore, he lets justice reveal itself. Similarly, the play opens with another circle of justice, when members of the two communes sit together to decide who should have the valley. The Delegate, like Azdak, announces the outcome without pushing. Within this friendly circle where the communes have equal social status, they can impartially decide the best use of the valley, and it is peacefully and mutually decided for the fruit growers. The playwright has also used the Christian symbolism. The Christian church has been used as a tool to support the upper class and keep the lower classes in their places. The historical church subverts the original teaching of Christ who treated all humans with respect. The garden that Governor Abashwili want to establish for his son by knocking down slums for the poor symbolises oppression and insensitivity of the rich towards the poor.


The Christian church has been used as a tool to support the upper class and keep the lower classes in their places. The historical church subverts the original teaching of Christ who treated all humans with respect. The garden that Governor Abashwili want to establish for his son by knocking down slums for the poor symbolises oppression and insensitivity of the rich towards the poor. Ironically, Azdak later rules that the Governor s estate should revert to the poorFORESHADOWINGForeshadowing is a situation where a writer gives a sign of something that will come later on a work of art, that which is important or appalling. When the Fat Prince greets his brother Governor Georgi Abashwili, this is quite unusual until the Governor remarks, .....But did you hear Brother Kazbeki wish me a happy Easter? Which is all very well, but I don t believe it did rain last night. Pg 16 . The relationship between the brothers is thus foreshadowed by the Governor s comment, in which he expresses surprise at being greeted by his brother. The brother later executes him. Natella, the governor s wife, seems to have an unstable mind and poses, I hardly know if my head s still on. Where s Michael? .......... Pg 24 . Later she forgets to carry his as she flees. Another important moment is when Natella, the governor s wife, tells, her adjutant how jealous of Michael she really is, She is desperate for attention from her husband. But Georgi, of course, will only build for his little Michael, Never for me! Michael is all! All for Michael! This jealousy of her child is important since she abandons him later in the act. Shortly before Azdak makes the ruling on who should take Michael between Natella and Grusha, the boy smiles at the latter. This foreshadows the ruling made by the judge as Grusha is finally given child. Azdak tells the old man Grand Duke to encircle the cheese on the plate like it might be snatched from him pg 65 This foreshadows the chalk circle that is drawn to choose a mother for the child, Michael. Pg 97 REVISION QUESTIONS AND EXPECTED POINTSQuestion 1Justice is an important institution in any well governed community.


This foreshadows the ruling made by the judge as Grusha is finally given child. Azdak tells the old man Grand Duke to encircle the cheese on the plate like it might be snatched from him pg 65 This foreshadows the chalk circle that is drawn to choose a mother for the child, Michael. Pg 97 REVISION QUESTIONS AND EXPECTED POINTSQuestion 1Justice is an important institution in any well governed community. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle 20mks In the prologue there is the dispute over the ownership of the valley, presided over by the delegate from the capital, Tiflis. Emphasis is laid on fairness in order to avoid the reoccurrence of future disputes. The fruit farmers and the goat herders amicably discuss a resolution to the dispute. It is decided that the land goes to the fruit and vine growers amicably as they would make better use of the land. The agreement is followed by a party to seal the deal Justice is also portrayed by the test of the chalk circle- In the old story, the real mother is revealed by the test. -. Her feelings for the child are too deep to allow her to gain it by force that injures the child- The child is taken from the natural mother, Natella Abashwili who is only after the inheritance and given to the false mother Grusha Vashnadze who has the greatest feelings of love for the boy Michael Abashwili Justice is also shown in the way Azdak s good turn in protecting and giving shelter to the Grand Duke. Eventually he is rewarded when the Grand Duke appoints Judge just in time to save him from the hangman s nooseAzdak then proceeds to dispense justice to the poor and down trodden in a manner never witnessed before in the land. Adzak s two year reign as Judge is treated as an era of rough justice especially forthe poor and vulnerable in society. -. The singer says he broke the rules to save them- At long last the poor and the lowly had someone who was not too holy to be bribed by empty hands. QUESTION 2Human weaknesses affect characters negatively.


Adzak s two year reign as Judge is treated as an era of rough justice especially forthe poor and vulnerable in society. -. The singer says he broke the rules to save them- At long last the poor and the lowly had someone who was not too holy to be bribed by empty hands. QUESTION 2Human weaknesses affect characters negatively. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle 20mks Points of interpretationThe following must come out clearly;Weakness of a characterDetails of that weaknessHow it affects that character negativelyW1. Natela Abashwili s weakness on adoring things. She forgets her child at the time of war and takes clothes and boots instead, pg 25 The maid escapes with the child to save his life but Natela later goes for the child because she wants to inherit the governor s estate. She loses both the child and the estate. WII The fat prince greed and hunger for powerEliminates his brother to get his power,WIII The governor s lack of concern for his subjects. He oppresses his subjects forcing people to go to war, charging high taxation. He loses his life and power. WIV- Lavrenti and his wife undermines family values. Fails to give Grusha a warm welcome though she comes from town where war has broken out tired and sickWV The self righteous nature of Aniko shown through her hypocritical actionsWVI. Natela s hatred for the poor. She undermines Grusha during the court case feeling that Grusha is too poor to keep the child. She finally loses the child to the poor Grusha due to her arrogance. Question 3Discuss the consequences of Fighting and war in any society with evidence from Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle. IntroductionFighting and war in any society has far reaching consequences. During war people s normal lifestyle way of living is disrupted and there is a lot of destruction of property and lives. Bertolt Bretch has shown how war affects people in his play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle. BodyDuring war, the innocent and the vulnerable suffer the most from the effects of war and fighting. The servants say this about their employer, the Governor s family: They even have to have their weeping done for them p 26 .


Bertolt Bretch has shown how war affects people in his play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle. BodyDuring war, the innocent and the vulnerable suffer the most from the effects of war and fighting. The servants say this about their employer, the Governor s family: They even have to have their weeping done for them p 26 . Michael is being hunted down to be killed yet he is not aware of the war, being only an infant. There is disruption of people s normal lifestyles as farms and homes are abandoned. Resettlement has to be negotiated afresh after the war. See p7 prologue . As a result of war, there are ruins of a war ravaged Caucasian village, the people orchard is already destroyed and the once beautiful dairy farm is a ruin. People s livelihoods are destroyed as the goat herders complain of the low quality of cheese they now produce from their new settlement. The old man whom Grusha requests to sell her some milk retorts: Go to the soldiers if you want milk. The soldiers of the Grand Duke burn the houses of innocent people and kill them making it difficult for them to live peacefully. War creates internal refugees. The farmers and the goat herders have been displaced from their homes having been uprooted by the Germans. Grusha and her fellow workers flee into the Northern Mountains as a result of fighting in the city. Fighting and war breeds civil wars and counter coups as warring groups fight for supremacy. The grand Duke is overthrown by the princes who murder his governor but they are in turn rounded up and killed when the Grand Duke takes back powers. There is rampant landlessness during the war and fighting as seen in the cases presented before Azkak. He has been a thief as Shauwa says. The soldiers and policemen also break the law they are meant to uphold. The two farming groups goat herders and the fruit growers are landless. War results in exploitation and oppression. For instance, in The song of injustice in Persia. It is stated that the kings are driven by greed in their quest to acquire new territories by impoverishing peasants. Their sense of imperialism drives them into unrealistic adventures that Azdak refers to as the roof of the world ironically, as the soldiers kill each other, the marshals assault each other. There is fear and apprehensions which are direct effects of this war.