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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


I only went for a fish. V Loving concerned responsibleWhen he returns from war, he goes to look for Grusha at the Northern Mountains. He asks her How are things here? 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. VI 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 VII 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 VIII 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;a 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 is potrayed as;a 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 pg47 b 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. C 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. D 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;a 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.


ANIKOShe is Lavrenti s wife and a sister-in-law to Grusha. She is portrayed as;a 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 pg46 b 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 c 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;a 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 marriagetake place My Jussup doesn t have to marry a girl with a child...all right make it another 200 piasters. Pg 50 .


She makes arrangement with Lavrenti to have his sister married to her son Jussup on his deathbed She is portrayed as;a 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 marriagetake 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 b 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. C 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 d 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 becelebrated 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.


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;a 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! 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 b 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 c 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 d 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. E GreedyHis plan to overthrow the system run by the Grand Duke is motivated by greed for power.


It isn t customary....who got there first. Pg 72 d 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. E GreedyHis plan to overthrow the system run by the Grand Duke is motivated by greed for power. He evenkills 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. The play The Caucasian ChalkCircle 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 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. 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 sincehe 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!


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. 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.


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. 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 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 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 plan ned 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 throwGrusha 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!


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. 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.