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But the real story is in the class divide, in the loss of innocence, immigration, violence, defilement, poverty, extreme hunger, and dejection. Initially, this story reads as a metaphor where some Africans in search of better lives travel abroad. Again, Paradise and Budapest represent the economic duality that we have in most countries where extreme poverty exists side by side with all the skyscrapers and glass-houses. However, as the story unfolds, the metaphorical view changed. Back at Paradise, the children went to ease themselves in the bush where they saw a woman dangling from a rope-a possible suicide. The children decided to remove the shoes the dead woman was wearing and sell them for bread. SETTINGPublished in 201 0, the short story "Hitting Budapest" by NoVioletBulawayo is set in an African country, most likely Zimbabwe, the author's native country. Time and physical settingThe time setting is during guava season and the action spans over a day in the lives of six children. The main physical setting is the rich neighborhood Budapest, but also the way to Budapest from the shanty town called Paradise. Budapest is depicted in detail by the narrator to show the between the poor area they come from and the richness of nearby neighborhood. Buf not an ordinary country it looks like everybody woke up one day and closed their gates, doors, and windows, picked up thei passports, and left for better countries. Even the air is empty; no burning things, no smell of cooking food or something rotting. Iust plain air with nothing in its hands. Budapest is big, big house;with the graveled yards and tall fences and walls and flowers and green trees, heavy with fruit p 98 Social settingThe social setting in "Hitting Budapest" presents several aspects related to African society and the world society in general. The interactions and conversations between the children show their lack of education as they have no knowledge about human reproduction, but also the commonness of incest and rape among poor Africans Chipo is pregnant with her grandfather P. 98 THEMESThe main theme of the short story "Hitting Budapest" by NoVioletBulawayo is poverty and its dehumanizing effects, which is enhanced through the motif of the gap between the rich and the poor.
Budapest is big, big house;with the graveled yards and tall fences and walls and flowers and green trees, heavy with fruit p 98 Social settingThe social setting in "Hitting Budapest" presents several aspects related to African society and the world society in general. The interactions and conversations between the children show their lack of education as they have no knowledge about human reproduction, but also the commonness of incest and rape among poor Africans Chipo is pregnant with her grandfather P. 98 THEMESThe main theme of the short story "Hitting Budapest" by NoVioletBulawayo is poverty and its dehumanizing effects, which is enhanced through the motif of the gap between the rich and the poor. The author's intention was to show the consequences of poverty experienced by African children and to bring a critique to those who turn a blind eye on the gap between the rich and the poor, hinting at the idea that it is Western states and organizations who bare most of the responsibility for it. J Effects of poverty. The short story explores the dehumanizing effects of poverty through the setting and characters. The action takes places in a poor African area probably Zimbabwe and shows through symbolical setting elements the crude reality of the gap between the rich and the poor. The characters areAfrican children Basta, Chipo, Godknows, Sbho, Stina, and Darling who have no other option to calm their hunger but to go to neighboring rich area Budapest and steal guava fruits p 98 The fact that the children go there frequently suggests that stealing for survival has become something very common, part of their everyday lives. Poverty makes these children to steal even to a dead woman, on their way back to paradise. L DefilementTo defile is to violate chastity of a person. Defilement is a major burning factor in most African states today. Defilement becomes a bee sting in that case where the molesters go for children under the age of eighteen years. It becomes a child sexual abuse when an adult or older adolescents use a child for sexual stimulation. This indeed ruins the Childs life and is against the children rights in many countries of the post colonial Africa. NoViolet Bulawayo did not demean the fact of existence of such people in the society, People who are child molesters.
It becomes a child sexual abuse when an adult or older adolescents use a child for sexual stimulation. This indeed ruins the Childs life and is against the children rights in many countries of the post colonial Africa. NoViolet Bulawayo did not demean the fact of existence of such people in the society, People who are child molesters. Chipo, a girl of ten years, has been impregnated by her grandfather. Chipo, a young efficacious girl who used to outrun everybody in Paradise, has something in hers stomach, put there by her grandfather P.97 However, indiscipline and immoral behaviors in the society should not go unpunished. Hitting Budapests victim does not go unpunished. He becomes a guest of the state. 2 ImmigrationTo avoid harsh circumstances at home, Africans cross borders and dangerous water masses to go to the west. They do low paying jobs or even sometimes illegal ones. Godknows' uncle left for London long time ago. Now, he does not even write p 1 01 Basta dreams of going abroad after school, actually to Paris. Darling too, dreams of going to America once she grows up. These children have been fed with the societal believe thatWest is good, not knowing that Africa is rich enough to sustain its people, in terms of resources, once utilized well. Today, Africans are not captured by the slave traders but by theCOIonial and post independence governments. These governments have created conditions that forces Africans to go abroad. Techniques and language use a First person narrative voice child narrator. The author uses first person point of view by a girl called Dari. Who is also part of the actions unfolding. As a result, the narrator has limited knowledge on the events and the other characters, and only depicts what happens, based on what she observes:And there, squatting and screaming, is Godknows. He is also pointing ahead in the thick trees, and we see it, a tall thing"What's that?". Somebody, I don't know who, whispers. Nobody answer P. 104 She tells the story as an eye witness, this making the rider to make the episodes in the narration more immediate to the reader. This allows the author to keep aesthetic distance and give the story an illusion of obiectivity.
Nobody answer P. 104 She tells the story as an eye witness, this making the rider to make the episodes in the narration more immediate to the reader. This allows the author to keep aesthetic distance and give the story an illusion of obiectivity. B ContrastThe language of "Hitting Budapest" by NoViolet Bulawayo is simple and easy to follow, though it initially is ambiguous due to the contrast in the names and places which do not seem to match. The names Of the characters suggest an African setting, while the names of place suggest Western places. However, as the story unfolds, the meaning become clearer. People living in the Budapest are very rich. Mello looks pretty, jewellery, smooth brown skin and she does not have a scar to that she is a living person. They have enough to eat. The houses clean and big P. 1 01 The children are leading a shnty poor live in their village, paradiseTheirs is to steal Guavas from the villagers. They even steal shoes a dead woman. C DialogueNOViolet Bulawayo uses dialogue richly, intertwined with narrativeMaking the story more appealing and dynamic. Many passage, times, the dialogue is simple and humorous:it"What's one day? Tomorrow? Thursday? Next week?"'Can't you see her stomach is still small? The baby has to grow ""A baby grows outside. That's the reason they are born. So they grow " p 97 The narrative passages, on the other hand, are quite detailed and descriptive, helping reader's better grasp of what is happening nd there, squatting and screaming, is Godknows. He is also pointing ahead in the thick trees, and we see it, a tall thing dangling in a free. ". What's that?". Somebody, I don't know who, whispers. Nobody answers because now we can all see what it is P. 104 a HumourDespite the seriousness of the incidents presented, the story is executed with a lot of humour it is effective as a means of satirizing social foibles such as poverty. The worst thing about guavas, all those seeds gets you constipated when you eat foo much. When it comes to having a natural call, we get in so much pain, like trying to give birth to a county P. 7 04 the woman's twisted mouth finishes chewing. I swallow with her. P.
7 04 the woman's twisted mouth finishes chewing. I swallow with her. P. 107 do not remember my feet ever looking like that, maybe when I was born P. 00 CHARACTERIZATIONThe most important characters in the short story "Hitting Budapest" by NoViolet Bulawayo are the six African children, Darling the narrator, and the British woman. In what follows, we will look at the narrator and the British woman separately and then at the all six children as a collective character. DarlingDarling is the child-narrator of the short story and one ofAfrican children. From her outer characterization, we only find that she is nine years old and has an aunt who lives in America. Though we do not know how she looks like, we can assume that as poorly dressed as the other children and equally needy. The girl's inner characterization is built through her narrative and her perspective and attitude towards the events she is experiencing. Darling comes across as a simple girl who has gotten used to the reality of her poverty which pushes her and the other children to steal. She is depicted as being remorseful in the way she decides to write a apology letter to Mello while in the correction centre. She is a determined girl who learns very fast how to read and write. Being comical can be senseless without her. She is the kind of a girl who gets soo much pain after eating guavas as if she is giving birth to a country. RoleShe presents the poor and down trodden in the society. She knows nothing, but oppression and poverty. 2 The British womanThe British woman is an episodic character in the short story. Her name is Mello. From her outer characterization, we find out that she is 33looking and wealthy and that her father is a native, good-Her inner characterization is constructed through her interactions with the children. Initially, she comes across as curious when she approaches them. Then she proofs to be friendly, and social. She decides to even take the children a photo. She seems egocentric in the way she eats alone, as the children stand there gazing at her admiringly. 3 The African childrenThe African children form a collective character in the short story, as most of their actions are done in group, although their different identities are also indicated.
The civil servants are underpaid and therefore strikes and go slows by the workers are common. It is such factors that drive Leila into writing about a classic situation: that of an immigrant couple Sudanese inLondon . Having been born to a Sudanese father, brought up and schooled in Sudan, Leila understands the plight of Africa as o continent and at the same time celebrates and champions for the values that have held the African continent together. By the use Of scarce characters, Leila uses a couple, Maidy and Samra to represent both sides of African continent: the pros and cons of living in Africa. Maidy embraces the new culture while Samra retreats more and more and becomes withdrawn and isolated from the reality of life around her. In this story of love, culture and alienation, Leila still for trading our culture with the western one but yet retain the pros of ourShe is not totally opposed to adapting what is good from the own. Culture 'Missing out' depicts its originality by the fact that author uses religion that is widespread in the country of its origin:Sudan. The author's own experiences, especially while at the, niversity, influenced her writing. She pursued Economics at the university, which she found difficult due to high baccalaureate scores and math being a particularly strong subject under the dedicated tutelage of her mother. Other than her personal life and the biographical, which have been major influences and sources of inspiration for her work, Aboulela's literary influences include writers such as Naguib Mahfouz and Tayeb Salih. She also admires works byDoris Lessing, J.M. Coetzee, Ahdaf Soueif, Anita Desai, ChimamandaNgozi Adichie and Abdulrazak Gurnah. SUMMARYSYNOPSIS'Missing Out' is an emotional and moving story of love, culture, alienation and a longing for home by one of its characters while theOther character blindly sinks into the new culture and hence he is alienated. It's a story of Maidy, a young and ambitious Muslim man living in London. It's a wondrous story that moves rather swiftly, giving the readers the character's conflicts without unnecessarily dwelling too long on their problems. This quick pace helps the author to state, though not explicitly, that the story is not about Maidy, but about a sort Of young, ambitious Muslim caught between modernity and tradition.
It's a story of Maidy, a young and ambitious Muslim man living in London. It's a wondrous story that moves rather swiftly, giving the readers the character's conflicts without unnecessarily dwelling too long on their problems. This quick pace helps the author to state, though not explicitly, that the story is not about Maidy, but about a sort Of young, ambitious Muslim caught between modernity and tradition. Majdy is sympathetic and his conflict is a universal one, charmingly rendered. E Story revolves around a young man from Sudan who joins college in London. During his first term, Maidy writes home citing he would not make it and that he would give up and return. EntOuragernent from his mother, who strongly believes he can make it. Maidy weds Samra as the mother advocates. This is made to make him concentrate more on his studies and deter him from marrying a white and losing taste of his culture the beauty of his country. Samra learns that Maidy has religion as he doesn't observe the mandatory prayers and in tries to win him back. Samra is nostalgic and has refused to adapt to new life in London and observes he duties as a Muslim woman. On the other hand, Maidy sinks into the new culture and all he sees looking at his origin country, Sudan, is negativity and backwardness. He tries to discourage Samra but she stays aloof and gets excited when it is suggested to her that she was going to spend holiday in Sudan. Maidy later calls home and announces that he desired to remain inLondon even after his studies. This is ironical as from the beginning he had always expressed attachment to his mother country. SETTINGThe setting of this story shifts from London to Sudan. This could be a deliberate move by the author to compare and contrast life in Sudan and in London. London is depicted as developed politically, socially and economically. Life in London was swift and 'interfered' with normal life. Maidy argues, 'here in London praying was distraction, an interruption 'p 1 12 London was civilized. Life was easy. Samra wondered how one can buy meat already cut up for her. The author observes, 'every Obiect she touched was perfect, qualify radiated from every little thing 13 London is so developed that even Samrc longed to be ill in order to take medicine which was so seducing.
Life was easy. Samra wondered how one can buy meat already cut up for her. The author observes, 'every Obiect she touched was perfect, qualify radiated from every little thing 13 London is so developed that even Samrc longed to be ill in order to take medicine which was so seducing. The author says, 'even the pharmacies were stocked so full of medicine inso many different colors and flavors that she almost longed to ill ' pl 13 Sudan on the other hand is depicted as underdeveloped. Although life in Sudan is still and rhythmic, many elites like Maidy find it ra retrogressive. Unlike in London where begging is illegal, in Sudor beggars are all over. Child labor is a common practice in third world countries as inferred in this story 'Shooing away the baref00children who passed by with loaded trays trying to sell her che gum, hairpins and matches ' P. 1 08 for the elites like Maidy Sud and by extension African Continent is underdeveloped. MOidy thought Samra would be grateful to him for rescuing her from the backwardness of Khartoum. Chaos is in the city and strikes by the civil servants prevail. This is the plight of Africa. THEMESChange. It is said that change is inevitable. Many traditions of people, particularly Africans change when they go to abroad. This is clearly shown by Maidy who abandons his culture e g the mandatory Islamic prayers. He says, "here in London praying was distraction, an interruption ' It is no wonder his mother gets really shocked when she learns about the sudden change of her son. Additionally, he even sees the very fabric of traditions that have held his life together as'backwardness' and retrogressive. It is in that view that Maidy thinks that Samra should be grateful for saving her from 'the backwardness of Khartoum 'Maidy was hardworking back in the days. He was brilliant and always came to the top of his class. He even had appeared on a newspaper at sixteen. In London, Maidy loses his hardworking spirit and 'in his first term at college in London he complained that studies had become hard 'The plight of AfricaLeila Aboulela is concerned about the staggering poverty and underdevelopment in Sudan and the inability of African governments to function at the level they ought to. African has resources but is taken away from the Africans.
He even had appeared on a newspaper at sixteen. In London, Maidy loses his hardworking spirit and 'in his first term at college in London he complained that studies had become hard 'The plight of AfricaLeila Aboulela is concerned about the staggering poverty and underdevelopment in Sudan and the inability of African governments to function at the level they ought to. African has resources but is taken away from the Africans. Sudan is underdeveloped. Children at tender age who ought to be in school are in the streets busy hawking to feed their families 'Shooing away the barefooted children who passed by with loaded trays trying to sell her chewing gum ' p 1 08 Africa is suffering from civil wars. Sudan is politically unstable. Samra's teacher says, 'you must be relieved that you are here, all thatWar and famine back home. The place of women in the society. This is clearly a patriarchal society that believes in the male over female. It is clear that Maidy's mother is left with the responsibility of taking care of her son. Parenting has been left to women. The relationship between Maidy and Samra is domineering one. That could be the reason why Maidy uses abusive language on his wife. She is not supposed to question her husband's behavioral changes. She is not supposed to question him for not doing his prayers and when she does Maidy calls her stupid. TECHNIQUES AND LANGUAGE USE. Narrative voiceThe author has employed third person narrative mode, where every character is referred to by the narrator as 'he', 'she' or 'they'. This makes it clear that the narrator is an unspecified entity or uninvolved person in the story. This kind of narration brings out the thoughts and intentions of different characters hence their character traits are fully developed. A third person narrator is omniscient and omnipresent. Such narrator has knowledge of all times, people, places and events and this makes it possible to shift the plot fromLondon to Khartoum, Sudan. Even then the narrator's knowledge is"limited" to the characters, that is, the narrator cannot describe things unknown to the focal character. Local dialectTo keep it original, the author has used local dialect to avoid the story been confused with European literature. Use of local dialect also helps the reader to determine the physical setting of the story.
Even then the narrator's knowledge is"limited" to the characters, that is, the narrator cannot describe things unknown to the focal character. Local dialectTo keep it original, the author has used local dialect to avoid the story been confused with European literature. Use of local dialect also helps the reader to determine the physical setting of the story. The author has used certain local words among them tobe, zedInshallah, ka 'ba and QiblaHumourMaidy is a humorous character. He gets lazy with prayers and says that it's because life in London is swift. He tells Samra not to cover her head with a tobe because he didn't want to be associated fanatics and backwardness: His culture. It's also humorous that when Maidy complains of studies being difficult for him his mother saddles him with a wife. Ironically this to'IronyIrony is a strange, funny or sad situation in which things happen in the opposite way to what you would expect. It is ironic that Maidy, who does so well in his secondary education certificate, goes to study abroad but complains of studies being hard on him on his first term. There is irony when Maid ' calls home to complain about studies and his mother instead marries him to Samra. One wonders whether marriage makes studies easy or complicates the state of the learner. It is therefore not a surprise that Maidy abandons obligatory prayers completely. It is ironic that Maidy expects Samra to show gratitude and appreciation for saving her "the backwardness" of Khartoum but instead she continues to be nostalgic about the same backwardness and eventually travels back home during the holiday. Maidy asks Samra to take a leave to Sudan so he can also take a break from her but soon after leaving, he feels hollow and empty. CHARACTER AND CHARACTERISATIONThis story like any other short story uses scarcity of characters and this has given the author the opportunity to explore the characters into details giving us their character traits. Each character plays a significant role that clearly can't be overlookedMaidyHe is loving: He shows love and care to Samra. He shows her around and does everything possible to make her happy and comfortable in her new environment; London. He gives her his attention despite his busy schedule. He is supportive: He supports Samra to settle in her new environment. He buys her a mat to use during her obligatory prayers.
He gives her his attention despite his busy schedule. He is supportive: He supports Samra to settle in her new environment. He buys her a mat to use during her obligatory prayers. He is alienatedDetached: He is detached from his culture. He blindly copies the western culture. He abandons the very fabric of hisCulture that holds him together: the obligatory prayers. It is noWonder that he views the practice of his people back in Khartoum, Sudan as 'backwardness 'e is abusive: He calls Samra stupid and sees her as retrogressive for observing her obligatory prayers. He is immoral: He sees it as an opportunity to bring other women in his matrimonial bed when Samra travels to Sudan for holiday. Majdy represents the elites who go overseas either to study or work there and fail to ever return to their countries: The plight of AfricaAfrica suffers from brain drain. Such are the people who appreciate more the western culture and abandon their own. According to Majdy, African culture is inferior to western culture. SAMRAShe is religious: She observes her religious duties in a foreign country and even urges her husband to create time for prayers in her busy schedule. She is resilient: Unlike her husband who is changed by his surrounding, Samra remains as religious as she left Khartoum. She still observes her religious duties despite the fact that life in London is swift. She is naive: Amazed by the kind of development there is in London especially in the field of medicine, Samra is so much seduced by the color and flavor of medicine that she wishes to fall sick that she may use them. She is loving: As a typical African woman, Samra takes care of her husband and it is no wonder he feels hollow and incomplete when she goes back to Sudan for a holiday. She represents Africans who stick to their cultures and admonishes it so much that they actually value it even when in oversees. As a typicalAfrican woman, she adores and cherishes her husband. She represents African women who stand up for their marriages and families. MAJDY'S MOTHERShe is caring: She calls her son to check on her. She gets worried when she learns that her son thinks of dropping because studies have become hard and encourages him to work harder. She is generous: when her son does well in examinations back Khartoum, she throws up a party for him. She invites the villagers te come and celebrate with her.
She gets worried when she learns that her son thinks of dropping because studies have become hard and encourages him to work harder. She is generous: when her son does well in examinations back Khartoum, she throws up a party for him. She invites the villagers te come and celebrate with her. She is selfish: She only thinks of herself and not her son. When he announces that he will stay in London she only complains about her being left alone other than looking at the advantages her son will get. She is hopeful: She hopes that things will not remain dark in Sudan and speaks of a better future. She says, 'But what if things improve here, son? If they strike oil or make lasting peace. She represents citizens who endure hostility and poor standards of living in their African countries with the hope that 'things will improve ' As a mother, she shows love, care and good will to her son. She wishes the very best to him. ACTITIVITYI. Compare and contrast the character of Maidy and Samra2. The university students were demonstrating. Do you think demonstrations can solve problems? Discuss. 3. Discuss irony as used in this story. 4. Discuss the theme of religion5. Maidy's determination to remain in London symbolizes running away from the culture of his people. Discuss. 12. NO NEED TO LIEBY Rolf SchmidBackgroundRolf Schmid's "No Need to Lie" is an extraordinary account of a remarkable life. The author describes his rough painful struggleWith cancer in the both Kenya and Germany. He became a celebrated restaurateur and sportsman and after acquiringKenyan citizenship, he represented his new home in judo, polo, Weightlifting and pistol shooting, excelling in all four of them. He also still got time to emulate his childhood idol, Ernest Heming w as a passionate big game hunter in the African bush. Tragedy through cancer which almost killed him, but sheer determination, and the hand of God saved him. After this ordeal, he ventured become a world champion power lifter in the masters over categories. For this and all his previous achievements in sports, he was bestowed with the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya by HisExcellency President Daniel arap Moi. Rolf Schmid has surmounted many barriers in life but a diagnosis of throat cancer came as a terrible blow to the prominent chef.
After this ordeal, he ventured become a world champion power lifter in the masters over categories. For this and all his previous achievements in sports, he was bestowed with the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya by HisExcellency President Daniel arap Moi. Rolf Schmid has surmounted many barriers in life but a diagnosis of throat cancer came as a terrible blow to the prominent chef. Summary of IncidentsRolf schmid narrates in biographic way his long painful struggle and fight with cancer. As he battled all those negative emotions, Rolf made a vow to himself that he would not let the disease take him down. After all, he was only 50 years old p 22 It was not an easy fight. The surgery, chemotherapy and medicine took a heavy toll on him. He had lost all appetite for food. HoweverRolf knew that if he did not put something into his tummy, his recover would be severely compromised. The terrible sores inside his mo made any contact with food a painful ordeal. To counter this, he resorted to inserting a long pipe into his gulle through which he poured in food in liquid form. But the battle with cancer was not the cue to take things easy watch life pass by. More than anything else, Rolf's battle with c sums up his character: A never-say-die attitude in the face seemingly insurmountable challenThe well schemed masterpiece ends with Schmid landing back toNairobi where he was accorded a hero's welcome, after having been treated at the Katharinen hospital in Germany. He rejoices together with his wife Asmahan and their children. He felt himself a victor and thathe was beginning a new life. Setting"No need to lie" is set in Kenya. Rolf Schmid had obtained a Kenyan citizenship after staying in Kenya and working as a leading chef inNairobi. Places like Langata road in Kibera are mentioned in the short story where he could drive on his way to and from the job. P 1 31 After the treatments in the Nairobi hospital proved to be ineffective, Rolf was referred to Katharinen Krsnkenhaus hospital in Germany, where he went with Roland for further medication. This makes the setting shift from Kenya to Germany, then back to Kenya, seeking medical attention for his cancerous condition. The events are taking place between late December and earlyJanuary.
P 1 31 After the treatments in the Nairobi hospital proved to be ineffective, Rolf was referred to Katharinen Krsnkenhaus hospital in Germany, where he went with Roland for further medication. This makes the setting shift from Kenya to Germany, then back to Kenya, seeking medical attention for his cancerous condition. The events are taking place between late December and earlyJanuary. His medication journey begun January 8, after his personalDoctor, Mrs. Van Enk's coming back from Mombasa, where he had gone for the Christmas celebration. It begins at the Caren Surgery. Pl 23 Themes a Struggle to surviveOne Of his greatest battles in life was cancer. At 50, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. A fighter with a black belt in judo and a Weightlifter, Schmidt vowed the disease would not put him down. He SUrvived having gone through surgery, chemotherapy and no appetite and COntinued to forge on with life, with gusto. 0. A Burdens of sicknessThere is nothing that burdens Rolf, than his encounter with the throat cancer. It came after he had decided to cut weight, so that at least he, could lead a better sportsmanship life. Little had he known that he would be sick and the weight would cut down itself automatically, until the day he met Mrs. Van Enk, his private Doctor. He was informed that his medical condition needed a lot of urgency, Dr Rupani agreed that he had to admit him and take a biopsy. After 'the test, it was affirmed that he was having cancer and not Aids. P. 1 25 the greatest problem that exposed him to more harm was that his condition was in an alarming third stage, which was second to the last stage. He realized at a very late stage that he was cancerous. The grotesque look of the people in the radiation ward made him scared more than before. After it he become malnourished, with his skin, sagging. As if this is not enough, he was still to undergo four more chemotherapies. He says that he endured four chemo sessions for the four Saturdays preceding. He lost half of his hair and most of his beard. In his last cancer chemo, he got sick, something that made him dismiss all the clinics, the diagnosis and prognosis. He therefore decided to go to Germany.
He lost half of his hair and most of his beard. In his last cancer chemo, he got sick, something that made him dismiss all the clinics, the diagnosis and prognosis. He therefore decided to go to Germany. He fought his tears back as he saw his wife Asmahan cry at the airport, as she was bidding him good bye. He had to undergo a series of treatments befor getting back to his normality. B Love and friendshipRolf Schmid is a man that makes the definition of the word friendship easier. He receives a lot of attention from his native wife and native doctors too, who are assisting in his critical condition Whatsoever. His greatest treasure was his children. His wishful prayer was that he was going to live and see his children grow up, play more polo, do more sculptures and be With Asmahan, His sickness really affected her wife a lot. She is seen weeping, full of tears; she tells him that God is going to be with him. That he has to remember to chant a prayer daily p 132 His children andAsmahan were there ready to receive him after his treatments. They rejoiced together. He was indeed thankful in the way he appreciated the staff at the Germany hospital. He feels troubled, that he did not get time to appreciate Roland, who had taken a lot of core during his sickness time, for he died a year later, of a tragic occident, before their meeting again p 1 35 Techniques and Language Use a Point of viewThis short story is written in the first person narrative voice. The "l" narrator is therefore the protagonist in the story and he narrates the events as he experienced them. This kind of narrative voice makes the events look very immediate to the readers. It enhances aesthetic distance, that degree of separateness between an author and the events they present in the story. The first person narrator also helps create rapport with the readers through the informal use of humour, despite the depressing situation presented at hand. B DialogueThis is a verbal exchange between characters. Dialogue is used to develop characters and themes in the "No Need to lie". Quite a number of dialogues throughout the text. They make usCOmprehend the thematic concern and the plot at large. C Rhetorical questionsA rhetorical question is a figure of speech in which a stat formulated as a question.
Quite a number of dialogues throughout the text. They make usCOmprehend the thematic concern and the plot at large. C Rhetorical questionsA rhetorical question is a figure of speech in which a stat formulated as a question. The question is not supposed answered, or if answered, one is expected to agree With the speaker without any contradiction. On my way to Dr Rupani's, my head did not stop spinning. Fee had finally gripped me. What if it is HI V? Can I live with thought of being on death row? What about the stigma? P. 123 This shows the kind of tension and fear as Rolf had as he travelling to Karen hospital for diagnosis. Was I going to live? How bad was it? Did I have a chance? Too many questions went an answered P. 3 These and other rhetorical questions give us the actual suspense created. They make the audience glued to the eyes. That the reader cannot keep the text aside, not until they have read up to the last dot. A Local dialectsinformal languageThe hallmark of Schmid, successful use of language is his deployment of simple English throughout. This gives the story c relaxed informal tone. It is as if the narrator is telling it to his peers. Ndume-a male animalBwana sirAlhamdulillahi-praise be to Allah the most highBismillahi it's an Islamic exclamation meaning in the name Of their God. This gives the story a local flavor, making the writer to create his mental picture to the audience. Characterization1. Rolf schmidHe is our narrator in the text. He is the one who had fallen victim of cancer. Cathartic effect is really developed on him by the reader, after seeing the struggle he undergoes with the treatment of cancer. He is depicted as being assertive. He refuses to be killed by cancer. He has a strong will and power to withstand all the woes that abides by the medication process for cancer. He is determined, ambitious and indeed devoted. I. Dr. RupaniDr Rupani is quite resourceful. He admits Rolf and takes care of him in the Nairobi Hospital, together with the nurses as he is undergoing the chemo and the radiotherapies. 2. AsmahanAsmahan is Mr. Schmids wife. She is depicted as being a caring and a loving wife to him.
AsmahanAsmahan is Mr. Schmids wife. She is depicted as being a caring and a loving wife to him. She is indeed helpful supportive and a concerned coastal lady, who gets to be attentive to the husband all the time. She is quite emotional in how she really sheds tears as she bids the husband a good bye as he was flying to Germany for the further treatment. Further she is depicted as being a religious woman who proposes that her husband be praying all the time while undergoing treatments at the hospital in Germany. 3. RolandThis is a Helpful, supportive and caring character. He is dutiful; he has taken it upon him to ensure that his friend is healed. He takes him to hospital abroad. I. Is the title No Need to Lie appropriate? Discuss. Activity ii. Compare the medication process in the first world the third world countries, with reference to this short story. Iii. Identify the use of suspense from the story and explain effectively it has been used. Iv. Identify and discuss two major themes from the text. V. Hierarchically, show the stages for battling with cancer. 13THE HANDSOMEST DROWNED MAN IN THE WORLDBY Gabriel Garcia MarquezBackground"The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" is a short story written by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez in 1968. Originally written in Spanish, the story was translated into English in1 972, and was published with a collection of Mrquez's short stories entitled Leaf Storm and Other StoriesThe Latin American writer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez presents a true masterpiece "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World", with events occurring in a small fishing village. It's a coastal, cliff-side town, a desert like cape with no flowers, and so little land that the inhabitants have to throw their dead over the cliffs and into the sec rather than bury them in the ground. The inhabitants are a simple group of people, who believe in myths as strongly as what they see with their eyes. It's such a small village, that the all the men combined fit into seven boats, and there are only about twenty housesSummary of incidentsHandsomest Drowned Man in the world" opens with a group of children playing on the beach of a small fishing village. In the waves a dark and slinky bulge is approaching. It turns out to be a drowned man, covered in seaweed, stones, and Dead Sea creatures.
It's such a small village, that the all the men combined fit into seven boats, and there are only about twenty housesSummary of incidentsHandsomest Drowned Man in the world" opens with a group of children playing on the beach of a small fishing village. In the waves a dark and slinky bulge is approaching. It turns out to be a drowned man, covered in seaweed, stones, and Dead Sea creatures. P 1 38 .This drowned man has a huge impact on the village, which is changed forever by his arrival. The men head to neighboring villages to see if the dead man belongs to one of them, while the women clean off the body and prepare it for a funeral. They will make their houses bigger and stronger and better, and dig for springs in their courtyards, and paint their houses bright colors to make Esteban's memory eternal, and plant flowers on their cliffs so that years from now, sailors going by will see the colors and smell the scents and know that there, on those cliffs, is Esteban's village. SettingMrquez never specifies the time or place of his story, but the action takes place somewhere in Latin America. We know that we're dealing with an isolated village, with no real modern technology, livelihood. That its relies on fishing forThe scenery changes from start to end. At the story's beginning, the village is simply a desert like cape with no flowers. Later we're told that it's arid and windless. This is a dry, ordinary, boring place to live. It's so ordinary, in fact, that the drowned man, a truly extraordinary guy' has no place in it. Esteban is incompatible with the village as it first exists. And so with his arrival, Esteban transforms the village into place as extraordinary as he is. Themes"The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" explores the which human beings overcome personal isolation through collective community. In this story, common beliefs in the fantastic bring together the members of a small fishing village. The men, women, and children of this community are united by their common desire for self-improvement. Together, they imagine a better future for themselves, a future in which they are as extraordinary as the myths in which they all believe.
In this story, common beliefs in the fantastic bring together the members of a small fishing village. The men, women, and children of this community are united by their common desire for self-improvement. Together, they imagine a better future for themselves, a future in which they are as extraordinary as the myths in which they all believe. The drowning man therefore becomes a true tablet for isolation to the villagers2 Men and MasculinityMasculinity is narrowly defined in "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World " Size, strength, and attractiveness are all synonymous with masculinity in this story. However, non-physical traits like compassion, humility, leadership, and modesty are also associated with the notion of what it means to be a man. A true man is defined on his physical appearance, and their physical muscle. That, the man would not have drowned in their village, because theirs is a shanty village and therefore unable to accommodate such a handsome gigantic looking man P. 41 The highest ideal of masculinity is shared and admired equally by both men and women in this story. 3 Transformation"The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" explores the transformative effect of one dead man on an entire village. It argues that a truly great person has the power to change othersO inspire them to be better, to make them want to be extraordinary. It's interesting that, in this story, the villager's transformati00originates entirely from within. The dead man is dead, after all'which means the villagers are responsible themselves and for the4 Admiration"The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" means for a person to be great, and what effect such a person canThose women, who went for flowers, to a far village, now that theirs an arid zone, came back with their friend, women from the neighboring villages. On seeing how handsome the drowning man was, they admired him a lot. They went back for more flowers. Admiration can be directed toward, but at some point, the story teaches us, it turns inward, toward the self, and manifests as a desire for self-betterment. Techniques and language use1. Symbolism, Imagery, AllegoryGabriel Garcia Mrquez presents this work, full of sea imagery, from the title on forward. When the dead body first approaches the shore, the kids playing think he is a whale; then, a ship.
If the village is dry and colorless, the drowned man brings with him the possibility of lively springs and bright flowers. And sure enough, this possibility is soon realized. As the women prepare for the drowned man's funeral, they go to get flowers from neighboring villages. They return with other women who could not believe what they had been told, and those women wer back for more flowers when they saw the dead man, and they brought more and more until there were so many flowers and so many people that it was hard to walk aboutThey were going to paint their house fronts gay colors to makeEsteban's memory eternal and they were going to break their backs digging for springs among the stones and planting flowers on the cliffs so that in future years at dawn the passengers on great liners would awaken, suffocated by the smell of gardens the high seas. This is a far cry from the desert like cape we first met at the beginning of the story. ThirdPerson Limited Omniscient might be tempting to label this story is told from an omniscient point of view. After all, the narrative gets into the heads of many different villagers at many different times. But realize that all the information get is from the perspective of the villagers we are limited to their we know what they know, and only what they know. At first, the children playing think the drowned man is a ship, and then a whale. We don't know he's a man until they realize he's a man. The villagers never know where the drowned man came from, so neither does we. They think he is called Esteban, so for the purposes of the story, he isEsteban. L. AllusionThis is a style in writing which the writer refers to a statement or quotations of incidents to clarify a pointBiblical allusion:When the men came with the news that the drowned man was not from the neighboring village, the women, with iubilation, chanted in the midst of their tears, "praise the lord, " they sighed "he's ours" this makes us to comprehend their social set up under the religious perspective.
They think he is called Esteban, so for the purposes of the story, he isEsteban. L. AllusionThis is a style in writing which the writer refers to a statement or quotations of incidents to clarify a pointBiblical allusion:When the men came with the news that the drowned man was not from the neighboring village, the women, with iubilation, chanted in the midst of their tears, "praise the lord, " they sighed "he's ours" this makes us to comprehend their social set up under the religious perspective. Historical allusion:The Story alludes to Homer's Odyssey mentions the Sirens "Some sailors who heard the weeping from a distance went off course, andPeople heard of one who had himself tied to the mainmast, remembering ancient fables about sirens"Refers to the crying during Esteban's funeral and the crying is like the ring songs of the sirens. Esteban is a "myth"Characterization a The Drowned Man Esteban Although he is a stranger-and a dead stranger at that steb plays a central role in the villagers' lives. He does not speak, yethis j face and his body speaks for him, telling the villagers how sorry he is to be such a bother, large and cumbersome as he is. They intuit that he is ostentatious, stoic, dignified, kind and considerate, yet authoritative enough to command the fish to jump into his boat when he is fishing. The women of the village find him"speaking" to them in other ways, making them compare their husbands to his splendid size and handsome features. They are certain that he would be have been embarrassed of his huge size and the inconvenience it caused those around him, and even now, the hassle it's causing the villagers in trying to bury his huge body. The drowned man is given an honorary family and a beautiful funereal ceremony. A The WomenThe women respond to Esteban with care, then admiration, then longing, and finally, ownership. We know more about the women of the village than we do about the men, simply because we spend more time in their perspective. Much of the characterization of the drowned man comes from the women. That is, it isn't the drowned man being characterized as much the women's idea of the drowned man that is described.
This is an act of deliberate killing of another human being. The themeOf murder is quite open in the story. Winnie is dead. She has been killed by her friends for their own selfish gain. '. Winnie starts to suspect of her being killed as the story unfoldsShe felt it at very first time when Chelsea proposed of another honey moon in Africa. ". Winnie nearly dropped her cup at Chelsea's remarks. The scowl returned. To hide it, she put the cup on the table and reached for a hanky to wipe her face " P. 1 46 She even said it publicly that someone was trying to kill her. ". Someone's trying to kill me!". P 1 48 At the end of the day, she disappears, only to be recovered at the dead dumping site, according to Simon, that is the pond. 2 BetrayalBetrayal is fully identifiable in this story, in the way Winnie's death being plotted. Winnie turns out to face betrayal from her friends, worse still to her husband. Everyone turned to Winnie, for she'd dropped her spoon and her face had lost color. She was struggling to keep the food in her mouth. She lost the battle and dumped the stuff into the napkin on her lap. ". Is that where you'll deposit my body?". She said. This implies that Winnie is indeed sensing the betrayal from far. Many people, including me, believe these three conspired to murder without the cooperation of the Paulsons. I became firmly convinced Of this last night, after BBC radio reported that Peter had marriedChelsea. Tim was the best man. The Paulsons skipped the wedding ' P 162-163 This is Simon, the narrator, who puts things clear that betrayal was at its peak in Winnie's death. I GreedThis is actually the excessive yearning or desire for more than it's needed. This is especially desire for money, wealth, food, or other material possessions. Tim and his friends yearn for Winnies chair ship, and wealth to a point of eradicating her. '. The Yard discovered that Tim called a poacher in Kenya shortly before Tim came to Uganda, but they couldn't prove that the poacher provided Tim with the dart gun ' p 1 62 However, their greed doesn't succeed. ". The publicity hurt the Paulsons charity so much that it ceased all activities two years after Winnie's death.
Tim and his friends yearn for Winnies chair ship, and wealth to a point of eradicating her. '. The Yard discovered that Tim called a poacher in Kenya shortly before Tim came to Uganda, but they couldn't prove that the poacher provided Tim with the dart gun ' p 1 62 However, their greed doesn't succeed. ". The publicity hurt the Paulsons charity so much that it ceased all activities two years after Winnie's death. They now live a quite life in their mansion. They are volunteer teachers at a local school. I don't work for them anymore " p 1 62 Winnie's lawyers fought to prevent Tim, Peter and Chelsea from inheriting her money and Gala, but after the trail, there was no reason why they couldn't. 2 HypocrisyThis is a pretense of holding beliefs, feelings, or opinions that one does not actually possess. When one applies criticism to others, or actually the moral self contradiction in that case whereby you plan good things with your 'in-quotes' friends leads to hypocrisy. Innie is living with friends who in deed are foes and at the end of the day decides to kill her. As illustrated below:"Peter, " Winnie hissed, "when I die the police will question you first. You won't mention that we quarrel every day, will you? You won't mention that we quarrel every time we go to bed, so I better publicize it P. I 52 This illustration now clearly indicates that peter is cheating onWinnie, with Chelsea "Shut up!". Peter shot out of his chair, banging tis fist on the table at the same time. He upset a glassYou won t shut me up! You are cheating on me with Chelsea!""Oh Winnie!". Chelsea said "Don't you Oh Winnie me!". P.l 52 Techniques and language use a Narrative voiceFirst person narrative voice is a narration that has been told from the perceptive of a first person narrator. The T narrator is therefore the protagonist in the story and he narrates the events as he experienced them. This kind of narration makes the events to be quite immediate to the reader and hence, it becomes engaging to read. Dilman Dila also uses present tense intertwined with the usual past tense in this story about events that happened in the past. It is as if he is giving commentary on the event.
This kind of narration makes the events to be quite immediate to the reader and hence, it becomes engaging to read. Dilman Dila also uses present tense intertwined with the usual past tense in this story about events that happened in the past. It is as if he is giving commentary on the event. A rapport therefore between the narrator, Simon, and the reader is created. B Vivid descriptionOne of the ways through which an author can make hisher works to be tangible, enjoyable, and memorable and eye catching is by using vivid description. It's through vivid description that the thematic concern of a story floats in the reader's sea. Below are some of the descriptions in the story. At this time of the year, the hundred feet wide pond had green slime on its surface. Flowery vegetation draped the mountain of rocks that formed a ring around the water. White stones pocked the muddy shore. Several bird species flew about, chirping and singing to add beauty to the scene. We followed the cop to the pond. It looked like a paradise that morning. The encircling cliff of white rocks draped in vegetation stood clear against a blue sky, casting a shadow that offered solace from the sun's heat rays. Where there was no slime, the water sparkled in calmness. The birds chirped louder than ever, and darted about in larger numbers than I'd ever seen PI 59 a DialogueA series of dialogue has been employed in this story. This is discourse between two or more characters in a work of art. ". L am Sergeant Pascal Kivumbi, " he said "Sub County Police- a title that doesn't exist-"Where is the missingCommander woman?"That question scared the people on the porch more than his appearance did p 1 54 Dialogue creates a sense of immediacy in the text, and an illusion of reality. It appears as if we are listening to the narration a video watching it, making the story appeal to almost all the senses. Characterization i WinnieWinnie is a character who appears to be quite suspicious, "Just paranoid! Why did you go with that cook to the pond? He's the cook, Tim! He can poison my food!"She seems probing and observant in this excerpt "He took you to that pond to show you where you can deposit my body after he's poisoned me! Didn't he?"The flow of events in the story gains momentum through her.
He's the cook, Tim! He can poison my food!"She seems probing and observant in this excerpt "He took you to that pond to show you where you can deposit my body after he's poisoned me! Didn't he?"The flow of events in the story gains momentum through her. Ii SimonSimon is the narrator of Stones Bounce on Water. He is a cook who is working at Meg's home, together with some two other young men. He spears to be comical. However, he is concerned and remorseful; in the way he is deeply concerned by the death of Winnie, and finds all the details, even after Winnie's death. Iii Sergeant Pascal KivumbiSergeant Pascal is an ambitious, self driven man, who is committed to Performing his duty as a police officer. He works with a lot ofC Ompetence and prowess. He is a hard working, confident man, who doesn't give up, not until he gets to find out the route course of innies death. In line with the war, children are also recruited into war as soldiers. Mostly this is done against their will and they end up missing on their childhood. Kamara is tortured and eventually amputated by child soldiers who are her age mates. She pleads with one child soldier to have mercy on her as she is his age but the child soldier hears none of that. Victims of violence and conflicts are forced to live under pathetic conditions. Kamara, her cousins and aunt have to live in a camp for amputees in Freetown. This camp is full of filthy litter and full of dirty bodies. More so they are forced to beg on the streets to get what to eat. Children who undergo such violence like what Kamara goes through have psychological torture. Kamara mentions that she is enrolled in high school before she is swallowed by thoughts of her past and family. It's very clear that conflicts, which are mostly fueled by hatred has detrimental effects on innocent, children and women. They are the ones who suffer the greatest brunt of such. They suffer a lot, they are handicapped, displaced from their homes, are forced to live in pathetic conditions and some even lose their lives. LDiscuss the traits of Ali Mahfouz as brought out in this story ALMOSTHOME by Barry McKinley. Ali Mahfouz is the main character in the short story "Almost Home".
They suffer a lot, they are handicapped, displaced from their homes, are forced to live in pathetic conditions and some even lose their lives. LDiscuss the traits of Ali Mahfouz as brought out in this story ALMOSTHOME by Barry McKinley. Ali Mahfouz is the main character in the short story "Almost Home". He faces an imminent deportation from Ireland. He exhibits a lot of traits as he attempts to fight back against the deportation. The writer paints Ali as deceitful. He tells people that he is a medical student and even puts a picture on face book that shows him at the surgeons' college with college books yet the books are only telephone directories. He only does menial jobs in Ireland for survival but he has not gone to study medicine. In addition he walks with little white buds in his ears as if he is listening to music from the iPod yet he doesn't even know how to load the gadget with music. Ali is Hardworking as he does all kinds of jobs in Ireland to cater his upkeep. For instance he slices kebab meat; while working for twEgyptian brothers, also he power-washes cars, scrubs pots and wipes tables. When he just arrives in Ireland, Ali makes many friends. He is quite charming and sociable. He Makes Slattery to laugh all the time despite being in a serious situation this bringsAli is Stubborn, He has been warned by Tarrant not to cause any problem while they travel yet he attempts to escape twice. Furthermore, the government has tried to deport him twice, where every time he is disruptive on the plane threatening of blowing up the plane with a bomb in his possession. Despite all these he still lives in Ireland. With all the attempts to be deported from Ireland, Ali tries all means to prevent it from happening- He threatens to blow up the plane twice; he attempts to escape from Slattery and Tarrant inFrance and Spain. As a last resort he decides to drown himself in sea provided it is a way to escape from being deported. This brings out his determined nature. Ali Observes keenly enough to note thatSlattery has good French. Ali also notes that Slattery has no wedding band despite him being in mid-thirties and handsome. Ali loses hope with life in his country, he is disillusioned, and this is what makes him to opt and go to Ireland and seek a better life.
Ali Observes keenly enough to note thatSlattery has good French. Ali also notes that Slattery has no wedding band despite him being in mid-thirties and handsome. Ali loses hope with life in his country, he is disillusioned, and this is what makes him to opt and go to Ireland and seek a better life. Because of poverty, his family is cramped together in the apartment'Ali imagines of life in prison, lack of food, clothing and having to pay bribes. This shame and fear causes him to jump into the sea. Ali manages to stay in Ireland as an illegal migrant due to his deceitful nature, and he determinedly avoids being deported3. THE UMBRELLA MAN by Siddhartha GiaooDiscuss the stylistic devices employed in the above story and give their effectiveness. Siddhartha Gigoo has used language distinctively in order to pass across his message. More so he has employed various styles to necessitate character development and flow of the plot. This story is told from a third person point of view, where the narrator gives us the story from what he observes. The narrator gives us what number seven does and what other inmates do in the story. This facilitates the development of the story. The writer has used vivid description extensively to bring out the picture of the confinement of the inmates in the asylum, the place with limited freedom. The area in the asylum that is allowed for movement is described as "... The wall around the one hundred and twenty-square-meter compound ninety something yards in the narrow avenue outside the gates that ended at another wall. Beyond that brick-and stone wall was a vast darkness "The umbrella possessed by Number 7 is described as a yellow-andred striped, beautiful Umbrella. It was the most beautiful thing in the entire asylum, more beautiful than the bed of wild flowers along the wall. Dialogue has also been used. Number 7 converses with the barber about rain which shows Number 7's fascination with rain. There is dialogue between doctors and Number 7. This conversation reveals change in the state of Number 7's health such that he is free to go. He has been obedient and shown a calm disposition to facilitate his release from the asylum. The dialogue between Number 7 and his friend the puny little fellow reveals Number 7's anticipation for freedom and the little puny fellow's fear of destruction that can be brought about by rain. I4.
He has been obedient and shown a calm disposition to facilitate his release from the asylum. The dialogue between Number 7 and his friend the puny little fellow reveals Number 7's anticipation for freedom and the little puny fellow's fear of destruction that can be brought about by rain. I4. Discuss the major issues highlighted by the writer in the storyWINDOW SEAT by Benjamin Branoff. Every writer sets out to pass a certain massage or communicate a particular issue to the audience through their work of art. This is the main reason why stories are written. Benjamin Branoff highlights a few concepts in the story "Window Seaf 'To start with, the author addresses the issue of lawlessness on our roads. Vehicles should always follow traffic laws on the roads for safety. In this story however, law and order is not followed as it should be. For instance, the public transport vehicles are so much overloaded. Passengers are literally packed. Conductors carry excess passengers as the narrator says a mini-van meant to carry ten passengers now carries twenty four of them. It even becomes worse when it comes to rush hour where they carry twenty eight with others standing. The drivers also bribe the traffic policemen in order to get away with this crime. Even when things seem to be okay with the vehicle the policemen solicit for bribes to an extent of removing the car keys from the ignition. The bribe here is a very powerful voice that the police use to silence the adamant drivers. The passengers suffer on these roads. The narrator says that one learns no to commit to a long road because of discomfort. However, they don't seem to care or they are used to it. They even smack their lips loudly when the policemen take bribes but they don't take any step. It is even because of overloading that makes it easy for Kanga to rob the narrator. PhotosetterBot:Poverty is also portrayed in this story. The people at the bus stop ar said to be in sandals and others are barefoot. This means that cannot afford better shoes. The passengers could be suffering in silence in the overloaded daladala because of poverty. This is because they pay less money for fare. The narrator describes Kanga that shehaso trim figure probably caused by a lifetime of hard work and deprivation of luxuries. This shows that she cannot afford luxuries. We also think that what made her to steal from the narrator is poverty. The aggressiveness of touts in town is also a sign of poverty.
This shows that she cannot afford luxuries. We also think that what made her to steal from the narrator is poverty. The aggressiveness of touts in town is also a sign of poverty. This iso society where one must struggle to make ends meet. That's why they scream and shout and also convince people to take their daladala. Corruption is also evident in this story especially on the roads where the policemen who were supposed to guarantee safety on the roads take bribes and also collude with drivers in order to escape facing the law. The corrupt police officers seem to have taken bribes as their rights because even if the vehicle has everything right they force the drivers' submission by taking the keys from ignition. The word Mzungu means a white man. The Africans call them this to mean he is from the white race. The Africans see this man, the narrator as more superior than them and use even a spectacle that he is using public transport. When the guard greets him at the cityChuo everybody turns to see him. Africans perceive the white men as rich and wealthy that's why Kanga robs him in the vehicle. The narrator chooses to date Monique a French girl because sheisfre their race. He says, 'I should be with the French girl La fille becau French women absolutely like American men 'Major issues that can be related to our day to day lives are highlighted in the story. Such issues such as corruption, poverty and lawlessness on our roads need to be dealt with for better life.
THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE BY BERTOLT BRECHTTHE AUTHORBertolt Brecht was a German poet , playwright and theatrical reformer. He was born in 1898 and became one of the most prominent figures in the 20th-century theater. Bertolt Brecht was concerned with encouraging audiences to think rather than becoming too involved in the story line and to identify with the characters. Bertolt Brecht was born in Augsburg, the son of Beltold Brecht, the director of a paper company, and Sophie Brezing, the daughter of a civil servant. His father was a Catholic, and his mother a Protestant. Both parents hailed from Achern in the Black Forest. Brecht began to write poetry as a boy, and had his first poems published in 1914. Between 1919 and 1921 he wrote theatre criticisms for the left-wing Socialist paper Die Augsburger. After military service as a medical orderly, he returned to his studies, but abandoned them in 1921. During the Bavarian revolutionary turmoil of 1918, Brech wrote his first play, Baal. From this period also dates his poem, 'Legend of the Dead Soldier'. It was cited by the Nazis as one of their strong reasons to deprive him of German citizeship in 1935. Like several other poems, it was set to music by the author, and sung to the accompaniment of his guitar in a Berlin cabaret. Brecht's works have been translated into 42 languages and sold over 70 volumes. The Caucasian Chalk Circle was written in 1944 in Hollywood. Drawing on the Greek tradition, he wanted his theater to represent a forum for debate hall rather than a place of illusions. He aimed to take emotion out of the production, persuade the audience to distance from the make believe characters and urge actors to dissociate from their roles. Then the political truth would be more easy to comprehend. Once he said: "Nothing is more important than learning to think crudely. Crude thinking is the thinking of great men.". Brecht formulated his literary theories much in reaction to Georg Luk cs 1885-1971 , a Hungarian philosopher and Marxist literary theoretician. He disapproved Luk cs attempt to distinguish between good realism and bad naturalism. He died in 1956. SETTINGThe Caucasus is a region that bridges Europe and Asia.
He disapproved Luk cs attempt to distinguish between good realism and bad naturalism. He died in 1956. SETTINGThe Caucasus is a region that bridges Europe and Asia. The Caucasus is divided by the Caucasian mountain ranges into two regions:The northern slopes of the mountains reach into Chechnya and other border states of the former Soviet UnionOn the southern side of the mountains are the modern-day countries Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Grusinia, where The Caucasian Chalk Circle takes place, is a ctionalized version of the modern day countries; Georgia and Azerbaijan towards the end of the WWII in 1944. The play was translated to English by Eric Bentley. The play is a comedy, with a happy ending. The play is based on communism i.e. whoever can make the best use of resources in order to provide for others deserves to get the best of the resources. Brecht shows communism through three stories;The ownership of a piece of land between goat herders and fruit farmers. In the end through arbitrators, the fruit farmers get the valley because they will use the land better. The story about Grusha the kitchen maid, through the use of Solomonic law: Solomon and the baby from the bible . Grusha gets the baby because she deserves him. The story about Judge Azdak. His fair judging in favour of the peasants made him very popular especially among the poor. THE TITLEThe Caucasian Chalk Circle is derived from a circle Judge Azdak orders Shauwa to draw, .............get a piece of chalk and draw a circle on the floor. Pg 97 . Its purpose is to determine Michael s real mother. Both Natella Abashwili and Grusha Vashnadze desire custodian of the child. Shauwa is directed to place the child in the circle and the mother to hold him by the hands and pull him out. Whoever pulls him out of the circle would retain him. It is ironical that Natella, Michael s biological mother, is denied custody of the child when she pulls him out. Grusha declines to tear the child and consequently ends with the child. The title symbolically signifies the possibility of surrendering what might be rightfully yours for better utilization.
It is ironical that Natella, Michael s biological mother, is denied custody of the child when she pulls him out. Grusha declines to tear the child and consequently ends with the child. The title symbolically signifies the possibility of surrendering what might be rightfully yours for better utilization. The play infers from both a Chinese play Circle of chalk written in 1300 AD and a biblical story The judgement of Solomon- 1 Kings 3: 16-28 In the Chinese story, a young girl, HAi-tang, bears a child as the second wife of a wealthy man. His first wife claims the child is her own. However, the second wife is judged the true mother when she refuses to pull the child apart in the test of the Chalk Circle. In the biblical story, two women live in the same house and both bear a child. One baby dies in the night and its mother swaps him for the living baby. Both claim the living child is their own. Solomon orders that the child be cut in two and each half be given to each mother. The real mother of the child gives up the child rather than see him harmed and is judged to be the true mother. The agriculturist and herders are seated in circles as they negotiate and in the end the herders agree to surrender their claim on the valley of Rosa Luxemburg since they would put it to better use. SYNOPSISThe Caucasian Chalk Circle begins with a prologue which captures a dispute between two communities; the fruit growing and the goat farming one. The clash is over who should own and manage the valley. The Goat Farm Commune Group is the original owner who had relocated due to the advancing Hitler s army. The fruit growing Commune has demonstrated interest in the piece of land. A delegate from Tiflis-the capital of the Soviet State of Georgia-has been sent to settle the dispute. The Fruit Growing Collective Farm has made elaborate arrangements of irrigating the valley so as to make it more productive. The delegate awards the land to the fruit growers because they have plans to use the resources better despite the land originally belonging to the goat farming group. Act one begins when the city of Grusinia has been taken over by the iron shirts and the governor, Georgi Abashwili, is beheaded in a coup that has been planned by his brother, the Fat Prince and his head fastened on a wall.
The Fruit Growing Collective Farm has made elaborate arrangements of irrigating the valley so as to make it more productive. The delegate awards the land to the fruit growers because they have plans to use the resources better despite the land originally belonging to the goat farming group. Act one begins when the city of Grusinia has been taken over by the iron shirts and the governor, Georgi Abashwili, is beheaded in a coup that has been planned by his brother, the Fat Prince and his head fastened on a wall. The governor s wife Natella flees and in the process abandons her child, Michael. Fortunately, the kitchen maid Grusha salvages the child from the soldiers and the Fat Prince and escapes with him to her brother's place in the Northern Mountains, pursued by soldiers. She endures great suffering in the way, including hostile and uncooperative people. She finally gets to her brother s place but he the brother insists that she must be married to an almost dying man by the name Jussup. Jussup has faked illness to avoid taking part in the war. When it is announced that the war is over, Jussup miraculously recovers. Grusha is stuck with a husband she did not want. When Simon Grusha s lover returns from the war, he discovers that Grusha is married and suspects that Michael is her child. Later, the child is taken away from her by some soldiers who claim that he belongs to Natella and he is taken back to the Caucasian village. Through a flashback, the writer explains how the Grand Duke is sheltered by Azdak, later to be judge, soon after he escapes the bloody coup. However, Azdak is not aware that he is hiding a dangerous fugitive and fearing he might be branded a traitor he presents himself to the soldiers to be tried and soon wins their favour and is installed as judge. Azdak judges four very weird cases, ruling in each case in favour of the poor. He soon gains reputation for supporting the poor. He serves for two years as a judge, before the return of the Grand Duke. He is arrested for being a traitor and as the soldiers are about to kill him, he is saved by the Grand Duke who recalls that he saved his life. He reappoints him to be the judge. The major case that Azdak handles is that of Grusha and the child.
He is arrested for being a traitor and as the soldiers are about to kill him, he is saved by the Grand Duke who recalls that he saved his life. He reappoints him to be the judge. The major case that Azdak handles is that of Grusha and the child. The governor s wife wants Michael back because without him, she cannot take over the former Governor s wealth. However, Grusha wants to keep the child because she has raised him for the past two years. Interestingly, even Simon offers to support her in the trial. When Azdak listens to the case, he orders a Chalk Circle to be drawn, after he learns what Grusha has done to the child. The child is placed in the middle and orders the two women to pull saying that whoever can pull him out of the circle will get him. The governor s wife pulls whereas Grusha lets go. This is repeated and finally, AZDAK gives Michael to Grusha. The governor s wife is ordered to leave. Michael s wealth is taken and made into public gardens. The message the author is passing across is that resources should belong to those who make better use of them- the child to Grusha, just the same way the valley goes to those who will take care of it. In the end, Azdak divorces Grusha from Jussup, paving way for her to get married to Simon. Azdak disappears never to be seen again. PROLOGUESummer of 1945The play begins with a prologue an introduction to a play that captures a conflict between members of two collective farms both who claim a stake in a disputed valley. The two rivals are: Goat Farm Rosa Luxemburg and Fruit Farm Galinsk. The two are neighbours. The goat herding commune claims to be the original owners of the disputed land until Hitler s armies forced them to relocate. The fruit growing commune has laid down an elaborate plan to irrigate the valley for agricultural purposes. They intend to use a dam across the mountain lake and water seven hundred acres of infertile land and plan to plant vineyards and orchards thereA delegate from the State Reconstruction Commission from Tiflis-the capital city-has been sent to arbitrate on the dispute. He intimates that Goat Farm Rosa Luxemburg occupied the valley before moving East on orders from the government.
The fruit growing commune has laid down an elaborate plan to irrigate the valley for agricultural purposes. They intend to use a dam across the mountain lake and water seven hundred acres of infertile land and plan to plant vineyards and orchards thereA delegate from the State Reconstruction Commission from Tiflis-the capital city-has been sent to arbitrate on the dispute. He intimates that Goat Farm Rosa Luxemburg occupied the valley before moving East on orders from the government. The Goat herding commune is now dissatisfied with their new grazing land which they claim is not palatable to their animals. They claim that the valley belongs to them from eternity and the law attests to that. However, members from the Fruit Farm Galinsk explain the reason why they deserve to own the valley. An amicable solution is finally reached when the land is awarded to the Fruit growing commune and the two groups settle down to eat and drink. Entertainment soon follows when a legendary singer- Arkadi- is invited to perform an old Chinese song entitled, The Chalk Circle. This song is about two stories which have a bearing on their resolved dispute. The prologue serves several functions; first, it gives the play a unique structure, secondly, enables the playwright to pass on his her key message and the moral of the play to the reader or audience before he 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.
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 city bringing some confidential papers for him saying he can only attend to him after the service. Later the adjutant an officer 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 often hides 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. 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 re-union. 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 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. She suggests to her husband that they keep the child but her husband tells her to give him to the local priest. As Grusha 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.
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 the Ironshirts 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. 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.
Who will be the judge?... Pg 62 . The matter will now be handed over by Azdak, the city judge, to determine the rightful owner of the child. THE STORY OF THE JUDGERewind to the day of the coup, the day Grusha took the child. The village clerk scrivener , Azdak, has been poaching in the woods and comes across someone he believes to be a refugee. He shelters him for the night only discovering after the man has gone that it was the Grand Duke himself, who escaped the clutches of the rebellious princes. Rather than risk being found out Azdak hands himself in, expecting to be punished. 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 testing 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.
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. 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 as judge, 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.
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. 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 corruption vary 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.
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 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 his door 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 son Michael. It does not matter to him that those slums are people s homes.
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 son Michael. 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. 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! Pg 15 .
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! Pg 15 . 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 think what 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 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.
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 their love 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. Simon removes 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 is just 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 .
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 one would 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 there is a servant collecting their grievances and another distributing coins 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 East Wing 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 of the child. They blame each other over luke warm bath water used to bath the child.
To make matters worse he has decided to tear down the slums to make room for a garden for the East Wing 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 of 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 receive military 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 over the 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. She does not care about the many people she is exposing to danger by her delay, Maro, a servant, 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.
She does not care about the many people she is exposing to danger by her delay, Maro, a servant, 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. 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.
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 our farm 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. Ever since, 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 is afraid 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.
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 whims 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 seems to 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. 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.
Tobacco is rationed and wine. Pg 8 People s normal lifestyle is affected as evident when the Goat Herding commune is forced to relocate on orders from the government. They fight to reclaim the land for they are not satisfied with their new grazing land. An old man comments, You can t live there. It doesn t even smell of morning in the morning. Pg 8 Political intolerance has brought fear and insecurity. The girl Tractorist notes that plans to rehabilitate the disputed valley had been conceived during days and nights when they have to take cover in the mountains. She says, Often we hadn t even enough ammunition for our half-dozen rifles. We could hardly lay our hands on a pencil. Pg 10 The effects of political and social turbulences are not restricted to the Caucasian village only. From Arkadi s performance, we learnt that the war in Persia has spilled to the Grusinian people. Under the leadership of the Grand Duke and Governor Georgi Abashwili majority of the poor people have been rendered beggars. The Governor is confronted by many petitioners who are not comfortable in the state of affairs, The children are emaciated. Some people are in clutches while others have been crippled due to the war. They complain about the high taxes and bribery from senior people like the water inspector. The same people cannot win the governor s eye and soldiers cause further suffering when they lash at them with thick whips. The state of the poor is deplorable as evident when the Governor contemplates bringing down their slums in order to create room for his gardens. The political class especially the nobles have no regard to the masses. Michael-The Governor s heir and son- is served by two doctors, He is the apple of the Governor s eye. The governor is not perturbed by the suffering of the people. He is contemptuous even to the people who have to provide him with security briefs from the capital. A rider with confidential papers has to wait until the Governor attends the Easter Sunday service and the latter attends his visitors-architects- at dinner. It is this indifference that leads the princes to stage a coup and subsequently orders for his execution. The coup comes with numerous harrowing effects. The singer comments: when the house of a great one collapses many little ones are slain. Pg 20 . The servants panic and fear for their lives as illustrated when they ask, what about us?
The coup comes with numerous harrowing effects. The singer comments: when the house of a great one collapses many little ones are slain. Pg 20 . The servants panic and fear for their lives as illustrated when they ask, what about us? We ll be slaughtered like chickens. As always. ...... There is bloodshed in the city, they say? Pg 21 Coup results to people being internally displaced as seen when the Grand Duke flees and seeks refuge at Azdak s place. The Governor s wife is also relocated to safer grounds while Grusha disappears to the Northern Mountains to protect Michael whom the soldiers desperately want to kill. Political instability has bred inhuman and sadistic characters. The soldiers who behead the governor also fasten his head on the wall with nails. Moral conscience is lost among people like the old man who cannot sympathize with Michael. Grusha has to plead to get milk for the baby. He tells her, milk? We have no milk. The soldiers from the city have our goats. Go to the soldiers if you want milk. Pg 31 Grusha is forced to pay two piasters for a drop. The peasant woman whom Grusha thinks will hide the baby from the Iron shirts betrays her by denouncing Michael. She tells the soldiers, Soldier, I didn t know a thing about it. Please don t burn the roof over our heads.....I had nothing to do with it. She left it on my doorstep. Pg 38 The fabric that holds the society together has therefore been dismantled by political instability. ANTAGONISM CONFLICTS DISPUTESA conflict is a disagreement that arises when two or more parties dispute or fail to agree. The Caucasian Chalk Circle addresses a number of these disputes. In the prologue there is a conflict between two land owners over the valley-The Goat Herders Collective Farm and the Fruit Growing Commune. They are arguing over the ownership and usage of the valley. The Goat Herders claim they are the original owners of the valley but have been forced to flee by the government because of war. They have come back because the land they have relocated to is not favourable for their goats. Unfortunately the Fruit Growers have laid elaborate plans for the valley which they will irrigate. They purpose to establish fruit and vine orchards. The delegate from Tiflis helps settle the difference between the two communes.
Unfortunately the Fruit Growers have laid elaborate plans for the valley which they will irrigate. They purpose to establish fruit and vine orchards. The delegate from Tiflis helps settle the difference between the two communes. There is a conflict between the princes and the Grand Duke. The princess want to take over power and leadership from the Duke and his Governors. The conflict leads to staging of a coup where the Grand Duke is exiled and the Governor of Nuka-George Abashwili- is beheaded. The judge of the Supreme Court is hanged and Azdak made the judge. There is conflict between Grusha-Governor s kitchen maid- and Natella Abashwili. They both claim motherhood rights to Michael. Natella claims that she is the biological mother while Grusha claims right over the child since she picked him and nurtured him for two years. The mother claims him out of greed for property. The conflict id resolved by judge Azdak who draws a circle round the child and asks the two to pull the child from the circle. Grusha hesitates twice and the judge rules in her favour. Another conflict develops between Grusha and Jussup. When Grusha gets to her brother s home in the Northern Mountains, Lavrenti- her brother schemes to have her married to a dying man ironically it turns out that Jussup has all along feigned illness to evade war and when news breaks out that the war is over he recovers and Grusha is horrified. She had engaged herself to Simon Shashava and cannot imagine cheating on him. Jussup complains that she is not fulfilling her matrimonial duties. He argues, Can t the peasant do it herself? Get the brush.....you are my wife and you re not my wife......God has given you sex.. pg 56-57 . The dispute is settled when Azdak gives Grusha a divorce and then she is free to marry Simon. There is conflict between Grusha and Simon when the latter returns from war and finds her at the river washing lines. When he sees Michael, he thinks that she has been unfaithful to him. He gets emotional and walks away. He later on realizes that the baby belonged to Natella. He comes to help her acquire the child during the famous chalk circle. He even lies that he is the father to Michael.
He later on realizes that the baby belonged to Natella. He comes to help her acquire the child during the famous chalk circle. He even lies that he is the father to Michael. Other examples of conflict are between:Azdak and ShauwaAzdak and landownersThe monk and Jussup s motherGrusha and the corporalSELF-SACRIFICE AND SELFLESSNESSThis is the act of giving up what one has or wants so that other people can have what they need. It is acting with less concern for yourself than for the welfare or success of others. One cares more about the needs and happiness of other people than their own. Grusha is the best example. When the governor s wife and her personal servant forget Michael, Grusha takes care of him. Other servants advise her to abandon the child for her own good. One old woman tells her, Grusha you re a good soul, but you are not very bright and you know it. Pg 27 Grusha tries to leave Michael but realizes she cannot. The singer tells us that after looking at the baby, Grusha hears as if it is telling her, woman it said, Help me pg 28 Despite the danger in town, Grusha watches over the baby the whole night and the next day takes him with her. On the way she has to buy the baby milk. When the old man sells to her the milk so expensively, she decides not to buy, but on realizing the baby needs it so badly and the journey is long she goes back and buys the milk. The baby s weight weighs on her back but she moves on. She decides to save the baby from starving by leaving it outside the door of a Fat peasant woman. She tells Michael, The peasant woman is kind, and can t you just smell milk pg 34 She hides behind the tree and observes the woman carry the baby into the house. She risks her life when she hits the corporal to save the baby. Again looking round in despair, she sees a log of wood, seizes it, and hits the corporal over the head from behind pg 39 . It is during her escape that she decides to adopt the baby. Grusha risks both their lives on order to get away from the Iron shirt. This is when she reaches Janga-Tau Glacier.
It is during her escape that she decides to adopt the baby. Grusha risks both their lives on order to get away from the Iron shirt. This is when she reaches Janga-Tau Glacier. No amount of warning can stop her and she crosses the dangerous bridge after turning the offer by the merchant woman to hide the baby for her. I won t, we belong together.....live together, die together. Pg 41 Grusha has to bear the discomfort of her brother s home. She makes another sacrifice as she has to live with a hard to please sister-in law. To survive she has to be crafty. She tells Michael they have to be As small as cockroaches.. the sister-in-law will forget we are in the house. Pg 47 Grusha, who is alredy engaged to Simon and has promised to await his return ends up getting married to a dying man Jussup-to make Michael have a legitimate father. This is another sacrifice that she makes. She endangers her life by following the Ironshirts who have taken Michael. She is a wanted person for having attacked and injured a corporal. What matters to her is Michael. She goes through the court procedure for Michael. It is out of her self-sacrifice that eventually Grusha wins the case. Other characters that make sacrifices for the welfare of other people are;Lavrenti who tries as much as he could to ensure that Grusha is comfortable in his house.. Simon commitment to Grusha calls for sacrifice. He has been away for two years and remained loyal to her. Simon s big sacrifice to accompany the Governor s wife as her guard to Tiflis. Shalva the adjutant makes sacrifices when her helps Natella escape during the coup. He remains loyal to the governor s family despite the risks as the public has turned against the authority. SOCIAL CLASS INEQUALITYThere is existence of social classes in the society described in the Caucasian Chalk Circle. There is unfair difference between groups of people in this society. Some are wealthier than others and enjoy a high status or opportunities as opposed to others. The diverse lifestyle enjoyed by the governor and his family is in contrast to the object poverty the lowly citizen has to endure.
There is unfair difference between groups of people in this society. Some are wealthier than others and enjoy a high status or opportunities as opposed to others. The diverse lifestyle enjoyed by the governor and his family is in contrast to the object poverty the lowly citizen has to endure. Georgi Abashwili is rich as Croesus pg 13 had a healthy baby ...so many horses in his stable pg 13-14 In sharp contrast so many beggars in his door step so many petitioners his courtyard.....He enjoyed his life pg 14 The governor and his beautiful wife go to church guarded by extremely many soldiers who are at his service. Beggars and petitioners pour from the church gateway with complains. They display thin children to the governor, others hold up crutches and petitions. They are a pitiful sight. The social difference is due to the poor governance. The governor s family is expensively dressed. Natella derides the poor, For instance on page 18 she says It s impossible to live in such a slum.... When she enters the court, she is relieved that there are no common people: I can t stand their smell. It always gives me a migraine. Pg 88 From the onset, she dislikes Azdak and on pg 89 she says, I disliked that man from the moment I saw him Natella s behaviour is characterized by false pride and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. She does not have time for the poor beggars and her servants and only identifies herself. Her contempt for the poor is seen in the court when he sees Michael and laments that he is in rags. The class of people conscripted to fight the Persian war have been maimed, yet they have not been compensated. The down trodden have suffered injustice while they are innocent, My brother is innocent, your Grace misunderstanding -worse still they suffer from hunger. BETRAYALTo betray is to hurt people who trust you especially by not being loyal or faithful to them. When the governor is being arrested, the iron shirts of the place guard who are supposed to guard the governor refuse to obey. They stare coldly and indifferently at the Adjutant and refuse to obey him when he commands them. The doctors betray the Abashwili family immediately they realize the governor has been arrested.
When the governor is being arrested, the iron shirts of the place guard who are supposed to guard the governor refuse to obey. They stare coldly and indifferently at the Adjutant and refuse to obey him when he commands them. The doctors betray the Abashwili family immediately they realize the governor has been arrested. Pg 21 on that little brat s account The Fat Prince is with the Governor at the church and even wishes him a happy Easter, yet he is the one who leads the iron shirts in arresting the Governor. Grusha is betrayed by the peasant woman whom she had trusted not to reveal presence of the child. She is also betrayed by her brother. She has been asked by Simon where she would hide and she confidently says she would run to her brother in the Northern Mountains. When she arrives there, her brother cannot host her with the child because he says his wife is religious and cannot host her. Instead of being given a warm welcome, Grusha stays like a fugitive in her brother s house. In order to get her out of his house he gets her a dying husband and when he resurrects she finds herself with a husband she does not love. Jussup betrays his fellow young men, the government and his mother when he pretends to be seriously sick so that he doesn t get drafted to war. Simon feels betrayed by Grusha as she has promised to wait until he returns after giving company to Natella and guarding her on the way to the loyal guards. When he comes, she is apparently married and has a child. He does not know the circumstances that lead her to get married or the nature of the marriage. He feels so betrayed that he cannot even get his cross back but directs Grusha to throw it into the stream. Natella betrays her own child and her husband when she escapes leaving Michael in the courtyard. She orders a servant to put down the child in order for the servant to run for her little saffron coloured boots to match with a green dress. The baby is left behind. JUSTICE. In Caucasian Chalk Circle the writer explores on the beauty of fair and reasonable treatment of people. Through the legal system used to punish people is not perfect the people who have committed crimes are somehow brought to justice. Justice is a fundamental thematic concern in the prologue. The meeting between the Goat Herders and the Fruit Growers is meant to determine which people deserve to own the valley.
Through the legal system used to punish people is not perfect the people who have committed crimes are somehow brought to justice. Justice is a fundamental thematic concern in the prologue. The meeting between the Goat Herders and the Fruit Growers is meant to determine which people deserve to own the valley. The Goat Herders who formerly owned the land had vacated at the approach of Hitler s armies. Their intended resettlement encounters opposition from Collective Fruit Farmers. With their delegates they sit in a circle signalling their determination to negotiate between themselves in order to reach a fair and reasonable decision without perverting the cause of justice. A delegate from Tiflis presides over the case. Both sides present their arguments as to the reason why they are deserving owners of the valley. They arrive at a consensus through the voice of reason rather that by the rule of law. The petitioners and beggars bitterly cry for justice. The governor demurs to heed to their pitiable calls for fair treatment. However, reason does not prevail; the soldiers are guilty of abstracting justice by lashing at the pitiful petitioners. They are heavily taxed and expect the water inspector who takes bribes to be brought to justice. Due to the injustice the people suffer, they are somehow rewarded when the Fat Princes and soldiers plan a coup d tat. The grand Duke and hid governors are overthrown. Although the legal system use to punish people like the Governor and the Fat prince is crude, the people engage in administering justice are convicted that they are justified to put the criminals to the gallows for their heinous crimes. The singer voices the importance of acceptable and appropriate handling of fellow human beings. Although Azdak is a criminal, he argues that he should not be arrested for stealing only a rabbit. He expresses the opinion that Shauwa is a worse criminal for catching people and will be judged by God. Later Azdak denounced himself for committing an unpardonable crime of ignorantly letting the Grand Duke escape. He persuades Shauwa to chain him and take him to be judged in Nuka. He begs to be shred to pieces because he is conscience-stricken. This way justice will prevail. Azdak dispenses justice although not in a fastidious or meticulous manner. It is justice in his own fashion. He harbours a soft heart for the vulnerable and down trodden. He encounters no restrictions of the statute book which he seats on instead of making reference to it.
It is justice in his own fashion. He harbours a soft heart for the vulnerable and down trodden. He encounters no restrictions of the statute book which he seats on instead of making reference to it. The period of his judging is described as a brief golden age, almost an age of justice. Pg 99 . However, he does not acquaint himself with the legal system of the statute book. He carries not, the professional demeanour of a judge. He presides over a number of cases some are handled simultaneously; Most of the accused are acquitted though proved guilty. The plaintiffs are condemned and fined. Azdak rules in favour of the doctor who is guilty of professional negligence. Azdak turns justice upside down to the relief of the vulnerable. His ruling is controversial. He declares to the Doctor; you have perpetrated an unpardonable error in the practice of your profession; you are acquitted. Pg 77 Ludovica is accused of committing an intentional assault yet she is the victim of rape by the stable man who is not sentenced. He acquits the old woman guilty of theft and drinks with the thief, bandit Irakli whom he addresses as pious man. He offers to sit on the floor and offers the judge s chair to the old woman. Shauwa s official designation is prosecutor, however he doubles up as a sweeper. This displays lack of seriousness in court. Sometimes the judge s chair is carried to the tavern where Azdak carries judgement while drinking wine. The singer comments Azdak broke rules to save them pg 82 . He renders verdict to save the poor The poor and the lowly. He dispenses justice in his fashion. When the landowners take law into their hands to get revenge for not getting justice from Azdak, it is his previous human treatment of the Duke that saves him from the gallows. Justices prevails to favour Azdak who is reappointed judge by the order and authority of the Grand Duke who has returned. This dramatic turn of events offers more room for Azdak to preside over other cases such as the famous Chalk Circle. The writer uses Grusha as a vehicle of justice. She fearlessly condemns Azdak for being corrupt. Azdak asks her, You want justice, but do not want to pay for it. Pg 94 .
The writer uses Grusha as a vehicle of justice. She fearlessly condemns Azdak for being corrupt. Azdak asks her, You want justice, but do not want to pay for it. Pg 94 . Grusha comments sarcastically, A fine kind of justice pg 94 I d tell you what I think of your justice, you drunken onion! Pg 95 . Grusha is rewarded for her human nature. CHARACTER AND CHARACTERIZATIONA character is a person who takes part in the actions of a work of art. GRUSHA VASHNADZEShe is a kitchen maid in the governor s palace. She is a fianc to Simon Shashava and a sister to Lavrenti Vashnadze. She is the heroine in the play. She rescues Michael who is abandoned by her fleeing mother, Natella after the coup. To survive she makes several sacrifices and choices she stays with him for two years. She is described as;Loving Caring ConcernedShe is concerned about Simon s fate when he is delegated to be Natella s Abashwili s guard after the coup. She says, Isn t it dangerous to go with her. You are a man Simon Shashava what has that woman got to do with you pg 22 She is concerned about the plight of the Governor she asks What have they done with the governor pg 26 When Michael is left behind by his mother Natella. She picks him up to spare him from being killed by the soldiers who are looking for him. She does this despite the fact that other servants at the palace dissuade her to do so pg 27 . She has lain down all her life for the welfare of Michael. Courageous Bold Daring BraveHer courage has been motivated by her will to defend Michael. She is not afraid even at the law courts. When told by judge Azdak that she would be fined ten piasters for contempt of court she responds, Even if it was thirty, I d tell you what I think of your justice, you drunken onion pg 95 She hits the corporal until he collapses and gets a chance to flee with the child. In a daring move, she crossses the broken bridge despite the impending danger and risks.
She is not afraid even at the law courts. When told by judge Azdak that she would be fined ten piasters for contempt of court she responds, Even if it was thirty, I d tell you what I think of your justice, you drunken onion pg 95 She hits the corporal until he collapses and gets a chance to flee with the child. In a daring move, she crossses the broken bridge despite the impending danger and risks. In the court room, she confronts the Governor s wife and says, You want to hand the child over to her, she wouldn t even know how to keep it dry. She is so refined. Pg 94 Grusha knows how to fight for her rights. MotherlyShe is more motherly to Michael than his biological mother. When people run to save their lives and forget the baby she sits with the child all through the night until dawn. Then she takes him away. She suckled Michael just like a mother, and realizing that he is not suckling anymore, she goes to the peasant and tells him, The baby must be fed pg 32 At the trial scene, Grusha cannot bring herself to pull Michael from the chalk circle. When asked why she is not participating she says, I brought him up! Shall I also tear him up to bits? I can t pg 98 This test makes judge Azdak choose the mother who is motherly. Grusha adopts Michael bringing out her deeper feelings as a mother would do. She says Since no one else will take you son....we ll see it through together. Pg 39 She does several selfless actions for the sake of Michael. First, she gives up her money for the child, paying two piasters for milk then goes back to save Michael after leaving him with the peasant woman. She even gets married breaking her promise to Simon.
She says Since no one else will take you son....we ll see it through together. Pg 39 She does several selfless actions for the sake of Michael. First, she gives up her money for the child, paying two piasters for milk then goes back to save Michael after leaving him with the peasant woman. She even gets married breaking her promise to Simon. D Defensive AbusiveWhen the governor s wife remarks that Michael is in rags and He must have been in a pigsty pg 97 Grusha retorts, I m not a pig but there are some who are! In the court room when Azdak initially fines her ten piasters for contempt of court, she refers to him as a drunken onion pg 55 E Determined ResoluteShe is determined to keep Michael that when the corporal goes to take a look at Michael, she seizes a log and hits him in the head with it, knocking him down. Her determination is also exemplified when she succeeds in getting across the broken bridge thus risking her life and Michaels. At the court when she is asked by judge Azdak if she would want Michael to go back to her mother so that he can be rich and powerful she says, I won t give him up. I have raised him and he knows me. Pg 17 F PossessiveWhen asked by a cook why she must hold on to the baby at any price when the baby isn t hers she says, He s mine. I brought him up pg 87 G AppreciativeWhen Simon offers to help her by swearing that the child is his, she says to Simon, Thank You pg 87 H ObedientShe has to miss the Easter Sunday Service to attend to the master. I was dressed to go but they needed another gooses for the banquet. AZDAKInitially he is a village recorder clerk but after he is accidentally chosen to be the judge by the iron shirts. He represents the voice of reason and social justice as he takes from the rich and gives to the poor. He is in charge of determining who the mother will be in the chalk circle. During his initial appearance in stage he is in rags an indication that, he lives in abject poverty.
He represents the voice of reason and social justice as he takes from the rich and gives to the poor. He is in charge of determining who the mother will be in the chalk circle. During his initial appearance in stage he is in rags an indication that, he lives in abject poverty. Since he is the village recorder economic hardships triggered by an oppressive and unstable government must have contributed to his degradation. He is a dynamic character who despite his many faults one cannot fail to admire him. Azdak can be described as:-Intelligent wise skilful knowledgeableHe has firsthand knowledge about political affairs in Persia. He narrates to the iron shirts about the political turbulence in the country, when consulted by the iron shirts about installation of a new judge; he portrays himself as intelligently reasonable and sensible. He proposes that the judge to be appointed should be vetted. Tested to the marrow pg 71 He skilfully sings the song of injustice in Persia in which he is used as a vehicle to highlight evils such as inhumanity, injustice, corruption, economic devastation and poverty. In the play within a play, he intelligently imitates the Grand Duke s accent. His defence is quite impressive. He displays knowledge about how the princes were corrupt and did not lose war because that corruptly made money out of it. War lost but not for the princes. Princes won their war. Got 3,863,000 piasters for horses not delivered, 8,240, 000 piasters for food supplies not produced pg 74 The skilful and intelligent way in which he puts up his defence makes him he installed as the judge. As a judge he disguises his intentions well. He asks for payment from the prosecutors and Grusha. As the prosecutors are able to pay him well, they smile with relief thinking that he would be on their side, He seems to be hard on Grusha especially when he says he wants to be told the truth and especially when he tells her, we ll make it short and not listen to any more lies to Grusha especially not yours pg 93 We are surprised when he later rules the case in her favour. He is able to exchange a dialogue using proverbs with Simon to further his argument.
He asks for payment from the prosecutors and Grusha. As the prosecutors are able to pay him well, they smile with relief thinking that he would be on their side, He seems to be hard on Grusha especially when he says he wants to be told the truth and especially when he tells her, we ll make it short and not listen to any more lies to Grusha especially not yours pg 93 We are surprised when he later rules the case in her favour. He is able to exchange a dialogue using proverbs with Simon to further his argument. When Simon implies that, since he has been given work by the ruling class he thinks he is of the same class, he answers Better a treasure in manure than a stone in a mountain stream pg 94 . He means although the nobility are corrupt, they are providing him with a means of livelihood, rather than when he would be starving with the morally upright people. The idea of the chalk circle is a sign of intelligence on Azdak part as it finally proves that motherhood is not just the biological process but also the emotional attachment one has towards the child. Hospitable Accommodative welcomingHe accommodates an old man in his hut, who turns out to be the Grand Duke. Although he is in rags his generosity is seen when he offers a stranger cheese and a place to sleep. Considerate Judicious SensibleHe listens to both sides giving them chances to explain their side of the story. After the first lawyer has presented his case, Azdak asks Grusha: What is your answer to all this and anything else the lawyer might have to say pg 91 When she just answers that the child is hers, he asks, Is that all? I hope you can prove it. Why should I assign the child to you in any case. Pg 91 He is sensible when he refuses to divorce a couple who have been married for the last forty years but wants to get divorce simply because they don t like each other. Justice is done when the circle is drawn and the mothers are asked to pull the child out of it.
I hope you can prove it. Why should I assign the child to you in any case. Pg 91 He is sensible when he refuses to divorce a couple who have been married for the last forty years but wants to get divorce simply because they don t like each other. Justice is done when the circle is drawn and the mothers are asked to pull the child out of it. Cautious suspicious discerningHe is wary of the way the old beggar behaves and he discerns that the beggar may actually be disguised do not lick your chops like a Grand Duke.......watching you gives me the most awful ideas.....flogger. Pg 64 When the old man offers to give some hundred thousand piasters, he cannot trust him when he says he does not have the money with him. He handles his guest and the people he interacts with a lot of caution. He does trust the old man, ....In short I don t trust you. Pg 66 Remorseful contriteHe suffers from guilt conscience and reproachfully denounces himself when he realizes that he had harboured and let the Grand Duke escape. In the name of justice, I ask to be severely judged in public trial. I m contemptible, I am a traitor! A branded criminal. Pg 66 His conscience also pricks him for having treated people injudiciously. I ll have to pay for it. I let the.....and ....outs get away with murder. I ll have to pay for it.... pg 84 HumorousHe makes a joke in court when it is explained that Grusha is engaged to Simon yet is married to a peasant in the mountain village. He asks whether she did so because Simon was not good in bed. Abusive disrespectful insolentHe insults the old beggar when he discovers that he is not a beggar ......walking swindler! Peasant flogger and a leech. He tells the old beggar I couldn t hand over a bedbug to that animal pg 65 referring to Shauwa. He insults the iron shirts who have been beating him. He addresses then as dogs living in the dog world. Pg 89 Viii Corrupt unscrupulous undisciplinedHe is overly corrupt.
He insults the iron shirts who have been beating him. He addresses then as dogs living in the dog world. Pg 89 Viii Corrupt unscrupulous undisciplinedHe is overly corrupt. Before he presides over any case he solicits for a bribe when he says, I accept on pg 77 the singer tells us that he is crooked. The way he handles the court cases leaves a lot to be desired. He sits in the judge s chair peeling an apple. He seems overwhelmed by the number of cases he has to handle and so he decides to handle two cases simultaneously. He sometimes presides over serious cases out of the court where the judge s chair has to be carried. He enters from the caravansary.......carried pg 77 He presides over another case in the tavern while drinking wine. Instead of referring to the statute book, he sits on itHe sits on the floor and does some personal grooming in the courtroom. Azdak sits on the floor shaving...... pg 83 There isn t a standard way of charging clients and it seems all are charged differently. Grusha is first fined ten, then twenty, then thirty and finally forty. ImmoralOn page 93 while addressing Grusha he says, Is he no good in bed? Tell the truth this is in reference to Simon. In the court, he admonishes Grusha for not, making eye.....and wiggling her backside a little to keep him.....in good temper. Pg 95 GEORGI ABASHWILIHe is the governor of the Grusinian people, Natella s husband and Michael s father. He is beheaded on Easter Sunday after his brother the Fat Prince successfully stages a coup. He is described as;Irresponsible inhuman insensitiveHe lacks commitment to the people he is serving. He uses his position to mistreat the poor and the less fortunate in the city of Nuka. The deplorable nature of the beggars and petitioners shows that they have been neglected and are living in abject poverty. He is not interested in the state of war. He ignores a messenger rider from the capital who comes with confidential papers. He will not attend to this matter until after the service.
He is not interested in the state of war. He ignores a messenger rider from the capital who comes with confidential papers. He will not attend to this matter until after the service. This annoys the rider who, .....turns sharply round and, muttering a curse goes off pg 66 Hypocritical selfish self-centredHe appears to be more interested in the Easter Sunday service than the people he serves. Christian values dictates that the weak and poor should be considered yet he ignores the many beggars and petitioners who flock the gateway. He is more concerned about his personal interests. He intends to bring down the slums to pave way for his garden. He engages two doctors to take care of his son yet the beggar s children are thin, with scarcely anything to eat. He has accumulated so much wealth around him that the singer compares his richness to Croesus a king of Lydia who was known for his riches His contempt for the poor masses is telling, when he ignores them as he enters the church. LovingHe refers to his son as the apple of his eye. Two doctors are responsible for him. He is ready to build a whole wing which makes his wife Natella jealous of their son. NATELLA ABASHWILIShe is the wife to Governor Abashwili and biological mother to Michael. When the coup takes place, she leaves behind her child and later, she tries to reclaim him back from Grusha, the lady who salvaged him. She is portrayed as;Materialistic greedyShe is so much concerned with earthly things and wealth that she even forgets her child when she is fleeing. She cannot imagine leaving behind her personal possessions such as dresses. This is done oblivious of the danger she is exposing herself and the servants to. I ve got to take this silver dress-it cost a thousand piasters...the wine coloured one? Pg 25 She desperately rummages into the trunks looking for her most valuable essentials. She cannot even dream of escaping on a horse back despite prevailing danger. Such nonsense! I wouldn t dream of going on horseback! Pg 25 Contemptuous Vain proud self-centredHer behaviour is characterised by false pride and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. She does not have time for beggars and her servants. She only identifies herself with people of class.
I wouldn t dream of going on horseback! Pg 25 Contemptuous Vain proud self-centredHer behaviour is characterised by false pride and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. She does not have time for beggars and her servants. She only identifies herself with people of class. She insults a young woman who already assured her that no harm has come to her dress. Nothing in your head, but making eyes at Shalva....I ll kill you, you bitch. She beats up the young woman. Pg 24 She is offensive by nature. She lacks respect for human beings. She refers to Azdak as a creature. What sort of a creature is that Shalva pg 85 she comments that Michael must have been in pigsty because he is dressed in rags. When she enters the courtroom, she sighs with relief that there is no common man around. She says she cannot stand their smell as it always gives her migraine. She looks at Grusha and asks contemptuously, Is that the creature pg 88 Careless irresponsibleShe orders the woman holding Michael, Natella s own son to put him down so that she can get her little saffron coloured boots from the bedroom. She is not interested in the child. No wonder the child is left behind as she flees. Pretentious HypocriticalThe first lawyer cautions her against speaking disrespectfully about people until they have another judge, she retorts, But I didn t say anything.....I love the people with their simple straight forward minds. It s only that their smell brings on my migraine pg 92 At the courtroom, she pretends that she is very affected by the loss of her child. She describes her loss as, A most cruel fate, sir, forces me to describe to you the fortunes of a bereaved mother s soul, the anxiety, the sleepless nights the....... pg 92 WickedWhen Azdak is lifted up and dragged under the noose. The governor s wife claps her hands hysterically and comments, I disliked that man from the moment I first saw him. Pg 89 SHAUWAHe is a policeman and a guard that accompanies Azdak to Nuka on request to a court trial. He doubles up as a prosecutor and a sweeper in court during Azdak s term as judge.
She describes her loss as, A most cruel fate, sir, forces me to describe to you the fortunes of a bereaved mother s soul, the anxiety, the sleepless nights the....... pg 92 WickedWhen Azdak is lifted up and dragged under the noose. The governor s wife claps her hands hysterically and comments, I disliked that man from the moment I first saw him. Pg 89 SHAUWAHe is a policeman and a guard that accompanies Azdak to Nuka on request to a court trial. He doubles up as a prosecutor and a sweeper in court during Azdak s term as judge. He can be described as;Compromising tolerant patientHe does not arrest Azdak for his criminal activity of stealing rabbits. Instead he tries to reason with him, ....When prince s rabbits are stolen......I m a policeman ....should I do with the offending party pg 65 . Although Azdak remains stubborn and unwilling to change his behaviour Shauwa is tolerant and patient with this. He tells him, You caught another rabbit....you d promised me it wouldn t happen again. Azdak claims the rabbit should be exterminated. He is oblivious of the tricky circumstance he places Shauwa in. The latter is tolerant and persuasive instead, Azdak don t be hard on me. I ll lose my job if I don t arrest you. I know you re a good heart pg 65 . Shauwa is a policeman with power to arrest Azdak but instead Azdak incriminates him and orders him to go home and repent which Shauwa does. Obedient Submissive AccommodatingHe cooperates with Azdak who request him to take him to Nuka. He is forced to walk half the night with Azdak to clear the whole thing all by threat. All Shauwa says is, That wasn t nice of you Azdak pg 66 He takes orders from Azdak even in the circumstances when he has the right to rebel. Azdak shouts at him, shut your mouth Shauwa, shauwa does not respond to this angry outburst. Pg 67 He obediently agrees to tell the iron shirts how Azdak had shouted at shoemaker street when ordered to by Azdak.
All Shauwa says is, That wasn t nice of you Azdak pg 66 He takes orders from Azdak even in the circumstances when he has the right to rebel. Azdak shouts at him, shut your mouth Shauwa, shauwa does not respond to this angry outburst. Pg 67 He obediently agrees to tell the iron shirts how Azdak had shouted at shoemaker street when ordered to by Azdak. They confronted him in butcher street...Shoemaker Street. That s all pg 67 He is ordered by Azdak to sing with him as he holds the rope around Azdak. He sings. Agreeable ResponsibleHe appears to be a pleasant person, quite easy to get along with. During the reign of Azdak as judge, he takes responsibility of the difficult duties as being prosecutor and at the same time sweeping and serving Azdak like a servant. He reports to Azdak and does what he is ordered to do. Public prosecutor drop your knife pg 78 Shauwa obeys. Shauwa reports all the cases to Azdak without influencing him and showing any bias. He serves Azdak wine in the tavern. Shauwa brings him wine pg 79 sometimes he reports the cases while sweeping busy sweeping Blackmail pg 76 Caring ConcernedWhen the Grand Duke returns and Azdak is scared that he will face the consequences of his actions, Shauwa warns him when he presumes there is danger someone s coming pg 84 SIMON SHASHAVAHe is a soldier of the palace guard who remains at the door when the Governor and his family enter the Church. He is ordered to accompany the governor s wife, Natella Abashwili as her guard. He is Grusha s betrothedHe is portrayed as:Loyal obedientHe accepts to accompany the Governor s wife as her guard to Tiflis. He takes up the responsibility despite the risks involved in being identified with the Governor s family. Grusha warns him, isn t it dangerous to go with her pg 21 When ordered by the Adjutant to move, he stands attention and goes off. Inquisitive CuriousIn his encounter with Grusha, he asks ceaseless questions.
He takes up the responsibility despite the risks involved in being identified with the Governor s family. Grusha warns him, isn t it dangerous to go with her pg 21 When ordered by the Adjutant to move, he stands attention and goes off. Inquisitive CuriousIn his encounter with Grusha, he asks ceaseless questions. May I ask if the young lady still has parents -My second question is this, - is the young lady as healthy as a fish in water. When he comes back from the war and finds Grusha by the river, he wants to know whether she is sill faithful to him and whether the child is hers. FaithfulFor the two years he is away for war, he remains faithful to Grusha. This explains why he is eager to know the relationship between Michael and Grusha. To show his commitment to Grusha he offers to assist her in the case and even says that Michael is his. HumorousHis conversation with Grusha on Pg 17-18 is full of humour. A goose He feigns suspicion I d like to see that goose. I only went for a fish. Loving concerned responsibleWhen he returns from war, he goes to look for Grusha at the Northern Mountains. He asks her How are things here? Was the winter bearable? When the Governor is toppled and killed he comes to look for Grusha: Grusha! There you are at last! What are you going to do? Pg 21 When he is delegated to accompany Natella by the Adjutant and Grusha complains. He answers That woman has nothing to do with me. I have my orders and I go pg 22 He cares about the welfare of Grusha when he acquires about the parents, whether she is healthy and if she is impatient. He gives Grusha a silver chain to cement their relationship. He is always there for her. Impatient Hot temperedHe does not take time to listen to Grusha s explanation that she has been faithful to him. To him she is married and has a son. He tells her, Give me back the cross I gave you.
Impatient Hot temperedHe does not take time to listen to Grusha s explanation that she has been faithful to him. To him she is married and has a son. He tells her, Give me back the cross I gave you. Better still throw it in the stream. Pg 61 Wise PrudentHe makes use of several proverbs in answer to Azdak A fine day, lets go fishing said the angler to the warm pg 94 A well can t be filled with dew, they say pg 90 AppreciativeWhen he realizes that Azdak has granted Grusha divorce, he is so grateful that he tells the judge that forty piasters are cheap when one considers what he has gained. Cheap at your price, your honour. And many thanks. LAVRENTI VASHNADZEHe is Grusha s brother and husband to Aniko. When Grusha flees to the mountains, he accommodates her and makes arrangement for her to get married to the dying man -Jussup. He is potrayed as;Fearful cowardly timidThe manner in which he quietly and quickly inquires from Grusha whether there is a father to the child indicates that he is fearful. He is intimidated by his wife. Due to this Lavrenti anxiously says that they must think something up. He fears that the priest had questioned Grusha about the child and only gets relieved to hear that Grusha did not tell him anything. He is fearful of the people who are already gossiping about the illegitimate child. Due to the fear of his wife and people he organizes for a fake marriage for Grusha so that people won t talk. So people won t talk pg 49 The singer comments, The cowardly brother.......giver of shelter pg 47 Hospital welcomingWhen Grusha flees to the mountains and finally lands at his home, he welcomes her cordially despite the initial fears he has on how his wife will react. Deceitful dishonest untrustworthy untruthfulHe lies to Aniko that Grusha is on her way to her husband and Grusha says she got married to a man on the other side of the mountain. He plans to steal Aniko s milk money to use it for Grusha s wedding.
So people won t talk pg 49 The singer comments, The cowardly brother.......giver of shelter pg 47 Hospital welcomingWhen Grusha flees to the mountains and finally lands at his home, he welcomes her cordially despite the initial fears he has on how his wife will react. Deceitful dishonest untrustworthy untruthfulHe lies to Aniko that Grusha is on her way to her husband and Grusha says she got married to a man on the other side of the mountain. He plans to steal Aniko s milk money to use it for Grusha s wedding. To cover up his wife s weaknesses, he purports she is sensitive and religious. Crafty cunning schemingIn order to get rid of Grusha, he plans for her marriage with a dying man. He does this secretly without informing his wife. He wants to ensure that they do not suffer shame so he makes people believe that Grusha actually had a husband on the other side of the mountain. People mustn t know anything pg 47 . He organizes the marriage without consulting Grusha initially, only to inform her later about the arrangement. He hides the baby from the monk and only brings out the baby when the ceremony is over for he knows very well that the vows cannot be reversed. ANIKOShe is Lavrenti s wife and a sister-in-law to Grusha. She is portrayed as;Hypocritical pretentiousShe is portrayed as being religious but lacks religious qualities. Grusha arrives at their home worn out and tires, all she is concerned is about Grusha s single status. If your husband s not in the city, where is he....has your husband got a farm...but when will he come back if the war s broken out again as people say? Pg 46 Lavrenti explains to Grusha that she cannot stay for long with them because Aniko is religious. ..... But you can t stay here long with child. She s religious; you see pg 46 Arrogant proudWhen Grusha faints she says, Heavens she s ill what are we going to do....as long....as its not scarlet fever.......if it s consumption we ll get it pg 45-46 She keeps on shouting to the servants Sosso!
If your husband s not in the city, where is he....has your husband got a farm...but when will he come back if the war s broken out again as people say? Pg 46 Lavrenti explains to Grusha that she cannot stay for long with them because Aniko is religious. ..... But you can t stay here long with child. She s religious; you see pg 46 Arrogant proudWhen Grusha faints she says, Heavens she s ill what are we going to do....as long....as its not scarlet fever.......if it s consumption we ll get it pg 45-46 She keeps on shouting to the servants Sosso! Where on earth are you? Sosso! Pg 46 Cold UnwelcomingWhen she is introduced to Grusha instead of welcoming her, she asks I thought you were in service in Nuka....wasn t it a good job? We are told it was. Lavrenti has to defend her to Grusha She has a good heart. But wait till after supper pg 46 Grusha even has to tell Michael, Michael we must be clever, if we make ourselves as small as cockroaches. The sister-in-law will forget we re in the house and then we can stay till the snow melts pg 47 MOTHER-IN-LAWShe is the mother to Jussup. She makes arrangement with Lavrenti to have his sister married to her son Jussup on his deathbed She is portrayed as;Materialistic greedyShe is to be paid by Lavrenti 400 piasters for having Grusha marry Jussup. When she discovers that there is a child, Lavrenti has to offer 200 piasters more and she readily agrees to have the marriage take place My Jussup doesn t have to marry a girl with a child...all right make it another 200 piasters. Pg 50 . She hires a cheap monk to perform the wedding in order to save. She saved on the priest the wretch. Hired a cheap monk pg 50 OpportunisticTakes advantage of her son s illness to make money by marrying him off on his deathbed. The son of this peasant woman is going to die.... How much does the peasant want?
Hired a cheap monk pg 50 OpportunisticTakes advantage of her son s illness to make money by marrying him off on his deathbed. The son of this peasant woman is going to die.... How much does the peasant want? Four hundred piasters pg 49 she also gets a chance to add more money when she discovers that the bride has a child-Lavrenti has to add two hundred piasters more. Hypocritical dishonestWhen she sees Grusha with the child, she weeps, saying that her people are honest and she does not want to live with the shame. She makes the monk accept that Jussup has accepted the marriage: Of course he is! Didn t you hear him say yes? Pg 51 PretentiousWhen she arrives with the monk, she tells the guests I hope you won t mind waiting a few moments? My son s bride has just arrived from the city. An emergency wedding is about to be celebrated pg 51 . Grusha has not arrived from the city nor is she her sons beloved. When the monk and she enter the bedroom, she tells him, I might have known you couldn t keep your trap shut pg 51 . This means she is not amused by the arrival of the guests. When the monk inquires about the child, she tells him, Is there a child? I don t see a child...you understand? Pg 52 ARSEN KAZBEKIHe is referred to as the Fat Prince. He is a brother to the Governor. He plots and stages a coup, with the help of ironshirts that leads to the killing of his brother-The Governor. When the Grand Duke returns after two years he is deposed and beheaded. He is portrayed as;Hypocritical insincereHe pretends to be so much pleased with the governor s family that he bows and remarks sarcastically that Michael is a governor from head to foot. He hypocritically terms George s intention of bringing down slums to pave room for the garden, good news. Good news after so much bad pg 5 He has instigated war against the Grand Duke and the Governor; He intends to overthrow the government. He then claims that the universally loved judge has been hanged. My friends, we need peace, peace in Grusinia! And justice!
He then claims that the universally loved judge has been hanged. My friends, we need peace, peace in Grusinia! And justice! So I ve brought along my dear nephew Bizergan Kazbeki pg 71 He pretends that he wants the ironshirts to confer and democratically decide who should be judge yet at the same time informs his nephew, Don t worry my little fox. The job s yours pg 71 . More so he intends to ignore the Ironshirts once the Grand Duke is arrested. He tells his nephew and when we catch the Grand Duke, we won t have to please this rabble any longer. Pg 71 Sadistic callous inhumanHe schemes for the murder of the Governor and once he is executed, he orders the drunken soldiers to fasten his head on the wall using nails. He desperately looks for Michael so that he can kill him. He comments, It s a pity they took the brat along though, I need him, urgently pg 28 Crafty scheming cunningHe schemes to install his nephew as judge by influencing the Iron shirts but they stage a rehearsal with the nephew acting as judge. He tells the nephew. It isn t customary....who got there first. Pg 72 CorruptHe fights for his nephew to be installed as judge. The iron shirts outwit him in his own game and the position goes to Azdak. GreedyHis plan to overthrow the system run by the Grand Duke is motivated by greed for power. He even kills the Governor, his brother, and act that shows the extent hunger for control and power can push one to. Since evil begets evil, he is executed the same way he killed his brother. LANGUAGE AND STYLEStyle in literature can be described as how the author uses literary elements such as words, sentence structure and figurative language to describe events, ideas and objects in their work. Stylistic devices refer to a variety of techniques used by writers. PLAY WITHIN A PLAYPlay within a play involves having another play within the main play. It is important as it helps in plot development, bringing out various themes and character traits.
Stylistic devices refer to a variety of techniques used by writers. PLAY WITHIN A PLAYPlay within a play involves having another play within the main play. It is important as it helps in plot development, bringing out various themes and character traits. The play The Caucasian Chalk Circle is three stories presented in one; The story of the Goat Herders and Fruit farmers,The story of Grusha and Michael and The story of Azdak as the judge.these are thus presented as plays within the main play. The story of The Caucasian Chalk Circle , borrowed from a Chinese tale is presented as a play within a play. There is a meeting of the delegates who are trying to resolve the puzzle of who owns the piece of land between the fruit farmers and the goat keepers. When an agreement is reached, the peasant woman on the left invites Arkadi Tscheidse, the singer, to entertain them. There is also a play within a play when Michael and other children enact the beheading of the Governor. It is used to show the extent of evil in society as the children who are so innocent clearly portray it. Michael refusing to be the one to be beheaded shows he is the chip off the old block-the Governor s son. It is also a satire of criticism of the senseless and cruel behaviour in the society. The play within a play is used to bring out the self sacrificing nature of Grusha. As seen when she takes care of Michael as he own son, through it various stylistic techniques such as use of song, Irony and flash back are evident. Various themes such as hypocrisy, negligence of duty among others are also brought out. The story of Azdak the judge is also a play within a play. It begins when Azdak helps the old beggar who late turns out to be the Grand Duke. It ends with Azdak judging Grusha s and Natella s case using The Caucassian Chalk Circle. This play within a play exemplifies the themes of justice, abuse of power and greed. Another play within a play is when the Fat Prince wishes to appoint his nephew Bizergan Kazbeki, as the judge. He requests the drunken Iron shirts to vet him. They perform a mock trial which involves Azdak who poses as the Grand Duke and the nephew poses as the judge. The Iron shirts takes up the roles of the people who have come to listen to the proceedings of the case.
He requests the drunken Iron shirts to vet him. They perform a mock trial which involves Azdak who poses as the Grand Duke and the nephew poses as the judge. The Iron shirts takes up the roles of the people who have come to listen to the proceedings of the case. Azdak is blames of running the war badly but he instead blames the princes rather than himself. He is able to make several successful attacks on the prince s corruption. Here, we learn how the princes mismanaged the war and blamed it on the Grand Duke. The nephew fails to make a judgement since he is out-witted by Azdak and the ironshirts unanimously settle on Azdak as the judge. The first ironshirt tells him, Go to the judge s seat! Now sit in It! Pg 74 JUXTAPOSITION CONTRASTThis is a stylistic feature used by writers to put people or things side by side in order to show the contrast or their differences. This style has been used to enhance dramatic effect. The act of Governor George Abashwili entering the church is juxtaposed with the image of the soldiers pushing the common people out of the way. This contrast undermines the religious significance of going to church. This is exemplified when the soldier says, Get back! Clear the church door. Pg 14 Grusha buys milk for Michael and pays two piasters. This is her week s salary. This amount of money used is a sacrifice for Michael. This contrasts the 100,000 piasters offered to Azdak by the Duke for one night lodging ....persuasion! Pay hundred thousand piasters one night, I tell you...where are they? Pg 64 . This contrast is meant to bring to fore the glaring gap between the rich and the poor. This satirises the society that puts more value on money to show the difference in the levels of wealth in social classes. Consequently, Azdak uses his position to take from the rich and give the poor. Thus, he fines the rich invalid, The Blackmailer, the innkeeper, and the farmers all of whom are wealthy. During the wedding of Jussup and Grusha, the monk says, Dear wedding and funeral guests! Pg 53 . This depicts two contrasting life eventualities, one representing continuity and the other- end.
Thus, he fines the rich invalid, The Blackmailer, the innkeeper, and the farmers all of whom are wealthy. During the wedding of Jussup and Grusha, the monk says, Dear wedding and funeral guests! Pg 53 . This depicts two contrasting life eventualities, one representing continuity and the other- end. There is also an instance of juxtaposition where the goat and fruit farmers are placed side by side to establish the deserving owners of the valley. Natella and Grusha are juxtaposed to establish the difference in level of love: true motherly love for a child and love for material wealth out of the peril of the child. Other characters that have been contrasted are Lavrenti with his wife Aniko, Simon and Grusha, Grusha and other peasants working for the Governor, among others. HUMOURDespite the occurrence of serious issues explored within the play, there are humorous incidents. We are presented with doctors; Mika Loladze and Mishiko Oboladze. They are in charge of Michael and quarrel over trivial issues. May I remind you.....that I was against the lukewarm bath ....more likely a sight draft during the night. Your Grace....no cause for concern, your Grace. Pg 15-16 It is humorous that these two doctors described as dignified would quarrel over Michael s coughing. In another comic episode, the two argue over whom will take charge of Natellla now that she has fainted after chaos and death erupt in the palace. Niko Mikadze, it is your duty as a doctor to attend Natella Abashwili....you neglect your duty........ pg 21 It is humorous to find the two going to an extent of fighting in the middle of a catastrophe. This humour serves to lessen the tension that is created when George is assassinated. It also brings out the character of the two doctors as incompetent and irresponsible characters. When Simon encounters Grusha, there is humour when he says he watches over her as she washes linen by the willows, There s more.
This humour serves to lessen the tension that is created when George is assassinated. It also brings out the character of the two doctors as incompetent and irresponsible characters. When Simon encounters Grusha, there is humour when he says he watches over her as she washes linen by the willows, There s more. Your toes and more....your foot and a little more.... pg 18 There is humour when a drunken peasant sings, There was a young woman who said: I thought I d be happier, wed but my husband is old and remarkably cold so I sleep with a candle instead pg 54 When Shauwa knocks at the door, Azdak says that he is not in. Azdak explains himself to Shauwa possibly to escape the arrest. .... Shauwa don t talk about things you don t understand. The rabbit is dangerous and destructive beast. It feeds on plants especially on the species of plants known as weeds. It must therefore be exterminated, he adds, I........man is made in God s image. Not So a rabbit....I m a rabbit-eater, but you re a man eater...go home and repent. Pg 65 SATIRESatire refers to the way a writer ridicules an individual or the society in a humorous way, with an aim of bringing desirable change. The playwright exposes weakness of leaders who have been entrusted with power and fail to do what is expected of them. People are oppressed and live in misery. The beggars and petitioners are crying that they do not have enough to eat and they feel neglected. The policing administration is criticized for the inhuman treatment of the suffering lot. They lash them with whips to keep them away from the Governor and his family instead of sympathizing with their plight. The governor and his wife pretend to be religious yet they display their contempt for the lowly class. The governor is a political leader but surprisingly, lacks interest in political matters. He ignores the rider who has confidential papers from the capital in preference to personal matters. Instead, he meets the architects to discuss building plans. The governor is ignorant of serious issues such as a meeting held by princes in the capital in which a coup was planned, ironically, one of the architects is fully aware of the plan to overthrow the Grand Duke and his Governors. Pg 15 . His political nature is being ridiculed because being in political position means he ought to accord political matters serious consideration.
The governor is ignorant of serious issues such as a meeting held by princes in the capital in which a coup was planned, ironically, one of the architects is fully aware of the plan to overthrow the Grand Duke and his Governors. Pg 15 . His political nature is being ridiculed because being in political position means he ought to accord political matters serious consideration. The police administration s brutality is criticized for the inhuman treatment of the suffering lot. They lash them with whips to keep them away from the Governor and his family instead of sympathizing with their plight. The Fat prince pretends to be so much pleased with the governor s family that he even bows and remarks sarcastically that Michael is a governor from head to foot and yet he had planned to kill the Governor that very day. When he tells the Governor he loves a gay sky, he is not sincere. Aniko, wife to Lavrenti and sister-in-law to Grusha claims to be religious, However, she is presented as mean, egocentric, selfish and inhospitable. She bullies around her husband and tries to throw Grusha out of the house as she fears what the neighbours will say for hosting an unmarried woman with a child. The monk s religious hypocrisy is also satirized. He is expected to be religiously inclined but he has many weaknesses. He oversees Grusha s marriage to Jussup while drank. He is actually paid to perform the ceremony but as a monk, he is expected to devote his life and time to religious matters, which he does not. The Governor s wife is satirized through her vain behaviour. She does not have time for the poor beggars and her servants and only identifies herself with people of class. After the coup her main concern is the clothes she is going to carry, only essential!.......the green one! And of course, the one with far trimming..... pg 24 On the same page she adds, ........get my little saffron-coloured boots..... I need them for green dress. In haste to save her dresses, she leaves her son Michael as she flees. When Michael coughs Natella s attention is drawn to him and she wants to know what is up. She even asks her husband whether he had heard the baby cough. She then givens a stern warning and advises the two doctors in charge of the child to be more careful.
I need them for green dress. In haste to save her dresses, she leaves her son Michael as she flees. When Michael coughs Natella s attention is drawn to him and she wants to know what is up. She even asks her husband whether he had heard the baby cough. She then givens a stern warning and advises the two doctors in charge of the child to be more careful. When he sees Michael after he is brought in by the ironshirts, she remarks that He s in rags pg 97 Natella has very low regard for the underprivileged. Pg 18 , she says, It s impossible to live in such a slum,,,, When she enters the court, she is relieved that there are no common people: I can t stand their smell. It always gives me migraine. Pg 88 From the onset, she dislikes Azdak and pg 89 she says, I disliked that man from the moment I first saw him. This foreshadows the fact that she may not get a fair judgement from him. IRONYIrony refers to an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs or is. It is also the use of words that convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning. There are different types of irony for example verbal irony where the speaker says direct opposite of what is meant. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows facts in a text which a character in the text is ignorant of. Other types of irony are situational, comic and tragic irony. The playwright has used this style in several areas in The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The irony of situation is that George Abashwili, the Governor plans to remodel and enlarge his palace. ..... In the afternoon his Excellency will confer with prominent architects. Pg 19 He even proposes to pull down the peasant shacks on the estate. Natella says, All those wretched slums are to be torn down to make room for a garden. Pg 15 . This is ironical in that this will be a garden for the privileged at the expense of the poor majority. Irony is further seen when this same estate is confiscated for the state at the court when Azdak declares it would be given to the people and made into a play ground for children.
Natella says, All those wretched slums are to be torn down to make room for a garden. Pg 15 . This is ironical in that this will be a garden for the privileged at the expense of the poor majority. Irony is further seen when this same estate is confiscated for the state at the court when Azdak declares it would be given to the people and made into a play ground for children. He says, ....your estates fall to the city...Azdak s gardens. Pg 98 Also the Governor s plans do not pull through because he is executed that afternoon. The Play Wright uses the noble child Michael, to bring out irony. Being the only son to the Governor, he has two doctors for his medical care. It is ironical when the coup takes place, the doctors Niko Mikadze and Nika Loladze abandon the child. Mika says, ......Do you really think ......little brat s account? Pg 21 . The situational irony is that the child has two doctors while the common people are suffering. The Governor s wife, who thinks that the Governor pays more attention to Michael than to her, is more concerned with her elegant dresses and forgets her baby. Ironically, Grusha a servant girl saves the child from being killed by the Fat Prince. She is more willing to be a guardian to the infant than her wealthy mistress. The biological mother of the child. The incident when Grusha plans to abandon Michael at the doorstep of a peasant woman s house has been developed through use of irony. Grusha s plans are well intentioned since she thinks the peasant will be kind enough to give Michael milk and she assumes that are far enough from the city. This is exemplified when she says, now you have wet yourself again...you can t ask that can you? Pg 34 . Irony is brought to the fore when her thoughts are displayed in the chorus, because I am single....someone who s newly poor. Pg 35 . When she meets the ironshirts she runs back to save Michael. Ironically, her plan with the peasant woman betrays Grusha, who hits the corporal over the head with a log of wood just to save Michael. When Grusha manages to cross the rotten bridge, she laughs her way to freedom and shows the Ironshirts the child.
When she meets the ironshirts she runs back to save Michael. Ironically, her plan with the peasant woman betrays Grusha, who hits the corporal over the head with a log of wood just to save Michael. When Grusha manages to cross the rotten bridge, she laughs her way to freedom and shows the Ironshirts the child. Ironically, this freedom does not last for long as she suffers in her brother s house because of Michael. She is too weak to walk and her sister-in-law who is portrayed to be religious ironically does not apply the religious principles but uses religion as an excuse to kick Grusha out of her home. Lavrenti only allows Grusha to live in his house over winter. Due to the same reasons he has given to his religious wife over Grusha s marital status, Lavrenti forces Grusha to marry a dying man from the other side of the mountains. This is especially because of the presence of the illegitimate child. The irony of the situation is that the brotherly love that Grusha had expected from Lavrenti is not forthcoming; he ends up complicating Grusha s live when he organizes for the fake wedding. Jussup, Grusha s dying husband, illness is developed in an ironic manner. The peasants comment on Jussup s health status. They initially thought Jussup was faking illness in order to avoid being drafted in to war. They regret having felt that way because Jussup really appears about to die. When the guests continue to talk and eat, one of them remarks that the army can no longer draft anyone as the war is over. Jussup suddenly sits up in bed; the most ironic possible scenario of his death is no more. He is alive and kicking. Azdak s judgement at the court is presented in an ironic manner. Brecht has used this style to point out that Azdak is a disappointed man and would not cause disappointment to others. The judgment pronounced on the cases in ironical. The doctor who operates a patient on the wrong leg is acquitted for perpetrating an unpardonable error on his practice.
Brecht has used this style to point out that Azdak is a disappointed man and would not cause disappointment to others. The judgment pronounced on the cases in ironical. The doctor who operates a patient on the wrong leg is acquitted for perpetrating an unpardonable error on his practice. The farmer who accuses the old man for receiving his stolen animal is fined five hundred piasters and ironically the suspect is made to sit the same table with the judge ....you granny and you....and Azdak! Pg 82 Natella, the Governor s wife, is using the child Michael as a means of acquiring inheritance. Her claim that she is the mother of Michael is not due to her motherly love. The Chalk Circle brings out an ironic twist when Grusha does not pull Michael. Ironically, Natella the real mother rushes to pull the child but Grusha says, I brought him up! Shall I also tear him into bits? I can t! Pg 98 This determined the deserving mother as the one who is motherly. USE OF IMAGERYImagery refers to the use of figurative language to represent ideas, objects or actions. It can also be defined as the use of descriptive language that appeals to our senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. This is mainly done through metaphors and similes. MetaphorsA metaphor is a figure of speech in which an expression word or phrase which ordinarily refers to one thing is used to denote another in order to suggest a similarity. It suggests the likeness between the two. The girls Tractorist says, I started the fire myself, This means she started the onslaught herself against the Nazis. Pg 97 There is also reference to a bloody time pg 13 . This denotes time of war characterized by violence and death. In the chorus pg 32 , the ironshirts pursuing Grusha are likened to bloodhounds , dogs that are known for their powerful sense of smell. On page 65, Azdak likens the old man grand prince to a bedbug to suggest he is a pest Azdak thinks it is Ludovika who assaults the stable man with a dangerous weapon which means she is provocative.
This denotes time of war characterized by violence and death. In the chorus pg 32 , the ironshirts pursuing Grusha are likened to bloodhounds , dogs that are known for their powerful sense of smell. On page 65, Azdak likens the old man grand prince to a bedbug to suggest he is a pest Azdak thinks it is Ludovika who assaults the stable man with a dangerous weapon which means she is provocative. The Fat prince refers to his nephew my little fox pg 71 to hint at his traits and to show how confident he is that he will be made the judge. SimilesThis is a figure of speech that directly compares two things that are related using connective words such as like , as or resembles The Governor Georgi Abashwili is described thus: He was rich as Croesus, pg 7 this compares him to the king of Lydia who was defeated by Persians and was known for his immense wealth, his name is synonymous with wealth. The singer castigates the insensitive leaders thus: O blindness of the great! They go their way like gods..... pg 20 After the coup, the servants say among themselves, we ll be slaughtered like chickens, as always pg 21 . This suggests they are not safe. Simon asks Grusha, Is the lady as healthy as a fish in water? Pg 22 . Grusha is compared to a thief, probably for the reader to pass judgement on whether she is justifies to take Michael, we are told: As if she was a thief she crept away! Pg 29 When Grusha is sheltered at her brother s house, she tells Michael that they should make themselves as small as cockroaches pg 47 to escape the wrath of her sister-in-law.
Simon asks Grusha, Is the lady as healthy as a fish in water? Pg 22 . Grusha is compared to a thief, probably for the reader to pass judgement on whether she is justifies to take Michael, we are told: As if she was a thief she crept away! Pg 29 When Grusha is sheltered at her brother s house, she tells Michael that they should make themselves as small as cockroaches pg 47 to escape the wrath of her sister-in-law. Indeed, Lavrenti remarks, why are you sitting there muffled up like coachmen.... pg 48 To suggest that she cannot run away from Michael, Grusha tells him, I came by you as the peat trees comes by sparrows pg 49 Azdak says law is a sensitive organ, .....like the spleen, in delivering justice, we are told by the singer he, Broke law like bread he gave them. Pg 82 SONGSMany songs have been sung by Arkadi and other characters in the play. Some are at the beginning of the scene, others within the scene and at the end of the scene. The governor is introduced through a song. Before we meet him, we are told about what king of a person he is as follows:- He was rich as CroesusHe had a beautiful wifeHe had a healthy baby pg 13 We learn that he has many beggars and petitioners whom he ignores. This song juxtaposes the rich governor with the majority poor folks who wait for hand outs in form of coins which are distributed by a servant. Simon Shashava, the soldier, and Grusha, a kitchen maid are also introduced to us before we meet them. We learn of their relationship. The song on pg 18 is summative. It summarizes the action. The Governor s palace foreshadows restlessness. The palace is said to be a fortress but is surrounded by soldiers. We anticipate the death of the Governor. ..... Noon was the hour to die. These words are followed by the appearance of the Fat Prince. The stage is set for the execution of the Governor by the Fat Prince. The tension surrounding the Governor s execution is found in the song on pg 20 , in the song, stage directions are given e.g.
.....Noon was the hour to die. These words are followed by the appearance of the Fat Prince. The stage is set for the execution of the Governor by the Fat Prince. The tension surrounding the Governor s execution is found in the song on pg 20 , in the song, stage directions are given e.g. ....look about you once more blind man! Grusha s action of taking the abandoned Michael is brought out through a song. She is drawn to Michael and decides to save him though this is risky. In the song, she does what the singer says. Grusha s flight into the mountains with Michael is captures in a song. She sang a song and bought milk on the way, The song pre-empts the action of bargaining for milk with the old man. The risky flight with iron shirts following Grusha is underscored pg 32 . They hunt for the fleeing due, never tire and sleep a little. Iron shirts feelings are captured in their song. They go into war leaving behind their lovers pg 33 . The song on pg 35 reveals Grusha mixed feelings of happiness and sadness after she abandons Michael at the peasant s doorstep. Azdak sings the song of injustice in Persia which was sang to him by his grandfather. It shows instances of injustice and the effects of the war: why don t our sons breed anymore?....Our men are carried to the ends of the earth, so that the great ones can eat at home.....The battle was lost, the helmets were paid for. Pg 68 The song of the chaos in Egypt pg 83 finally brings out the emancipation of the masses from the oppression and misrule of the ruling class. For instance it says, ...who had no bread at all have full granaries... pg 84PROVERBS AND WISE SAYINGSMany proverbs have been used by the playwright. The capability to use proverbs in one s conversation is interpreted as a sign of wisdom. It also shows masterly of one s own language since proverbs and wise sayings require comprehension of metaphors, similes and symbols in one s community.
For instance it says, ...who had no bread at all have full granaries... pg 84PROVERBS AND WISE SAYINGSMany proverbs have been used by the playwright. The capability to use proverbs in one s conversation is interpreted as a sign of wisdom. It also shows masterly of one s own language since proverbs and wise sayings require comprehension of metaphors, similes and symbols in one s community. When Grusha points out to Simon that it must be dangerous for him to accompany Natella Abashwili as her guard on her flight, he replies with a wise saying- in Tiflis, they say: Isn t the stabbing dangerous for the knife? Pg 21 means as the knife stabs what it is supposed to, it is also in danger of breaking or bending but it still stabs anyway. Likewise, a soldier protects others despite the danger despite the danger he exposes himself. When they meet in the courtyard and Grusha is rushing to collect her personal effects, She accepts Simon s proposal long before he even proposes. Simon feels embarrassed and responds, haste, they say is the wind that blows down the scaffold a temporary building built for workers round a building that is being constructed, If they are blown away then the builders will not be able to build the permanent structure as they will have no where to stay just like Grusha and Simon will not have a marriage if she is not patient enough to listen to the information that will cement that relationship. When Michael and other boys are playing the game of cutting off the Governor s head, the other children want Michael to play the Governor s role of just bending and his head is cut off but Michael adamantly refuses and says he wants to be the person to cut off. The other children disagree but Michael is adamant so when they shout to Grusha that Michael won t play his part, Grusha laughs and says, Even the little duck is a swimmer, they say. Pg 58 Meaning even though Michael is young, you cannot command him since he is the son of a Governor and so others do what he demands and not vice versa. When Azdak discovers that the fleeing duke is not a peasant but a land owner he orders him out but the Duke make him a proposition.
When Michael and other boys are playing the game of cutting off the Governor s head, the other children want Michael to play the Governor s role of just bending and his head is cut off but Michael adamantly refuses and says he wants to be the person to cut off. The other children disagree but Michael is adamant so when they shout to Grusha that Michael won t play his part, Grusha laughs and says, Even the little duck is a swimmer, they say. Pg 58 Meaning even though Michael is young, you cannot command him since he is the son of a Governor and so others do what he demands and not vice versa. When Azdak discovers that the fleeing duke is not a peasant but a land owner he orders him out but the Duke make him a proposition. Azdak finds this to be the height of insolence and responds, The bitten man scratches his fingers bloody, and the leech that s biting him makes him a proposition! Pg 64 . This implies that the landowners have been exploiting the peasants and the low class and when a chance comes up for the exploited to free themselves; the exploiters make a proposition so that they can go on exploiting the masses and maintain their status quo. When waiting for trial, the cook asks Grusha why she is holding on to the child at any price yet the child is not hers. She explains how she first just expected to give the child away but later thought that Natella, the mother, wouldn t come back and the cook responds, An even borrowed coat keeps a man warm hm? Pg 87 . This implies that, even if Grusha knows the child was not hers, the feeling that the child belonged to her is fulfilling. After Azdak is reinstated as a judge and openly demands for a bribe, the prosecutors who have been worried smile with relief. The cook is worried but Simon comments A well can t be filled with dew, they say pg 90 . In his argument to prove that Natella abashwili deservers to be given the child instead of Grusha who claims to have brought him up, he quotes , Blood, as a popular saying goes is thicker than water. Pg 60 There is a heated exchange of proverbs between Azdak and Simon when Grusha thinks Azdak enacts to give Natella the child simply because she is too poor to pay legal fees.
After Azdak is reinstated as a judge and openly demands for a bribe, the prosecutors who have been worried smile with relief. The cook is worried but Simon comments A well can t be filled with dew, they say pg 90 . In his argument to prove that Natella abashwili deservers to be given the child instead of Grusha who claims to have brought him up, he quotes , Blood, as a popular saying goes is thicker than water. Pg 60 There is a heated exchange of proverbs between Azdak and Simon when Grusha thinks Azdak enacts to give Natella the child simply because she is too poor to pay legal fees. Azdak argues that the poor are able to give the butcher his dues but not the judge, Simon quotes- When the horse was shod, the horsefly held out its leg. Pg 94 . This means Azdak who is poor as they are or in the same class, is now counting himself among the ruling class. Azdak replies, Better a treasure in manure that a stone in a mountain stream pg 94 . Although a mountain stream has very clean water an ordinary stone in it is worthless but a treasure in a manure can be retrieved and utilized. When one is poor, no matter how morally upright one is, one is worse off than a rich, corrupt person. Simon replies by saying, Let s go fishing said the angler to the worm, pg 94 meaning that just like the angler would benefit, Azdak would just be used by the rulers to oppress the poor and Azdak might as well end up being devoured just like the worm. By Azdak replying that, I m my own master, said the servant; and cut off his foot, means one does not have to do outrageous activities to prove that one is independent minded. Simon replies by showing that, people are able to see through their tormentors hypocrisy when the latter professes to love the farmer and therefore still give them their due. This is proved when he says, I love you as a father said the Czar to the peasants, and had the Czarevitch s head chopped off.
By Azdak replying that, I m my own master, said the servant; and cut off his foot, means one does not have to do outrageous activities to prove that one is independent minded. Simon replies by showing that, people are able to see through their tormentors hypocrisy when the latter professes to love the farmer and therefore still give them their due. This is proved when he says, I love you as a father said the Czar to the peasants, and had the Czarevitch s head chopped off. Azdak knows that despite the appearance, he is still on the poor people s side yet Simon does not realize this, so that is why he concludes the discussion by saying, A fool s worst enemy is himself. Pg 94 From all the above, it is important to note that, the cook, Grusha, Azdak and Simon are the only people who portray positive traits in the society. They portray a sense of wisom as seen when they are highlighted as the only characters that employ proverbs and wise sayings. ALLUSIONAllusion refers to a passing reference or indirect mention of something or someone the reader is expected to know. The playwright alludes to the king of Lydia 560 BC-547BC who was defeated by Persians and was known for his immense wealth on pg 7. We are told that the Governor Georgi Abashwili was,.... rich as Croesus. The girls tractorist also quotes the poet Vladimir Mayakovsy, pg 10, a Georgian born in 1883. He wrote the poems, The Cloud and I which are among the most popular during his time. Singer alludes to Jesus when he remarks, And now you don t need an architect, a carpenter will do, pg 20 . The Governor needs Jesus to save him from his predicament. The play infers from both a Chinese play Circle of chalk written in 1300 AD and a biblical story The judgement of Solomon- 1 Kings 3: 16-28 In the Chinese story, a young girl, Hai-tang, bears a child as the second wife of a wealthy man. His first wife claims the child is her own. However, the second wife is judged the true mother when she refuses to pull the child apart in the test of the Chalk Circle.
The play infers from both a Chinese play Circle of chalk written in 1300 AD and a biblical story The judgement of Solomon- 1 Kings 3: 16-28 In the Chinese story, a young girl, Hai-tang, bears a child as the second wife of a wealthy man. His first wife claims the child is her own. However, the second wife is judged the true mother when she refuses to pull the child apart in the test of the Chalk Circle. In the biblical story, two women live in the same house and both bear a child. One baby dies in the night and its mother swaps him for the living baby. Both claim the living child is their own. Solomon orders that the child be cut in two and each half be given to each mother. The real mother of the child gives up the child rather than see him harmed and is judged to be the true mother. SARCASMThis is the use of humorous language to ridicule or to convey scorn, especially saying one thing but implying the opposite. The Fat Prince is sarcastic when he says, And little Michael is a governor from head to foot! Tititi! Pg 15 . Simon is sarcastic when he tells Grusha: Why shouldn t I wash the linen by the willows! That s good, really good! Pg 17 . On pg 18, the singer says, And the goose was plucked and roasted But the goose was not eaten this time. This refers to the killing of the Governor and draws an analogy to the goose Grusha kills for the Governor s family. When the singer says, And now you don t need an architect, a carpenter will do, pg 20 , the playwright is sarcastic towards religion as this alludes to the fact that the Governor needs Jesus, who was a carpenter to intervene on this Easter Sunday. This will of course not happen. The dying man refers to Grusha as, A nice thing you ve saddled me with! A simpleton for a wife! Pg 57 When Grusha is fined ten pisters for using indecent language in court, she sarcastically lambasts Azdak and his corrupt ways by saying, A fine kind of Justice!
The dying man refers to Grusha as, A nice thing you ve saddled me with! A simpleton for a wife! Pg 57 When Grusha is fined ten pisters for using indecent language in court, she sarcastically lambasts Azdak and his corrupt ways by saying, A fine kind of Justice! You play fat and loose with us because we don t talk as refined as that crowd with their lawyers pg 94 SYMBOLISMSymbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas. The silver chain Simon gives Grusha is symbolic pg 28 . It is a symbol of the bondage between the two. When Grusha hears that the war is over and the soldiers are back, she kneels down in prayer and kisses the chain. Later, Simon suspects that Grusha is married to another man and he asks for the chain. On pg 81, Azdak, enacts the old woman as granny Grusinia. She is a symbol of a nation that has fallen prey of the greedy citizens the three farmers who deprives it all that it owns her sons . She symbolises a nation that seeks justice. The Chalk Circle drawn to help Azdak, the judge, comes up with as a rational decision on who should have the child is a symbol of truth. Ironically, his methods of justice are not by the Book of Statutes he sits on. Therefore, he lets justice reveal itself. Similarly, the play opens with another circle of justice, when members of the two communes sit together to decide who should have the valley. The Delegate, like Azdak, announces the outcome without pushing. Within this friendly circle where the communes have equal social status, they can impartially decide the best use of the valley, and it is peacefully and mutually decided for the fruit growers. The playwright has also used the Christian symbolism. The Christian church has been used as a tool to support the upper class and keep the lower classes in their places. The historical church subverts the original teaching of Christ who treated all humans with respect. The garden that Governor Abashwili want to establish for his son by knocking down slums for the poor symbolises oppression and insensitivity of the rich towards the poor.
The Christian church has been used as a tool to support the upper class and keep the lower classes in their places. The historical church subverts the original teaching of Christ who treated all humans with respect. The garden that Governor Abashwili want to establish for his son by knocking down slums for the poor symbolises oppression and insensitivity of the rich towards the poor. Ironically, Azdak later rules that the Governor s estate should revert to the poorFORESHADOWINGForeshadowing is a situation where a writer gives a sign of something that will come later on a work of art, that which is important or appalling. When the Fat Prince greets his brother Governor Georgi Abashwili, this is quite unusual until the Governor remarks, .....But did you hear Brother Kazbeki wish me a happy Easter? Which is all very well, but I don t believe it did rain last night. Pg 16 . The relationship between the brothers is thus foreshadowed by the Governor s comment, in which he expresses surprise at being greeted by his brother. The brother later executes him. Natella, the governor s wife, seems to have an unstable mind and poses, I hardly know if my head s still on. Where s Michael? .......... Pg 24 . Later she forgets to carry his as she flees. Another important moment is when Natella, the governor s wife, tells, her adjutant how jealous of Michael she really is, She is desperate for attention from her husband. But Georgi, of course, will only build for his little Michael, Never for me! Michael is all! All for Michael! This jealousy of her child is important since she abandons him later in the act. Shortly before Azdak makes the ruling on who should take Michael between Natella and Grusha, the boy smiles at the latter. This foreshadows the ruling made by the judge as Grusha is finally given child. Azdak tells the old man Grand Duke to encircle the cheese on the plate like it might be snatched from him pg 65 This foreshadows the chalk circle that is drawn to choose a mother for the child, Michael. Pg 97 REVISION QUESTIONS AND EXPECTED POINTSQuestion 1Justice is an important institution in any well governed community.
This foreshadows the ruling made by the judge as Grusha is finally given child. Azdak tells the old man Grand Duke to encircle the cheese on the plate like it might be snatched from him pg 65 This foreshadows the chalk circle that is drawn to choose a mother for the child, Michael. Pg 97 REVISION QUESTIONS AND EXPECTED POINTSQuestion 1Justice is an important institution in any well governed community. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle 20mks In the prologue there is the dispute over the ownership of the valley, presided over by the delegate from the capital, Tiflis. Emphasis is laid on fairness in order to avoid the reoccurrence of future disputes. The fruit farmers and the goat herders amicably discuss a resolution to the dispute. It is decided that the land goes to the fruit and vine growers amicably as they would make better use of the land. The agreement is followed by a party to seal the deal Justice is also portrayed by the test of the chalk circle- In the old story, the real mother is revealed by the test. -. Her feelings for the child are too deep to allow her to gain it by force that injures the child- The child is taken from the natural mother, Natella Abashwili who is only after the inheritance and given to the false mother Grusha Vashnadze who has the greatest feelings of love for the boy Michael Abashwili Justice is also shown in the way Azdak s good turn in protecting and giving shelter to the Grand Duke. Eventually he is rewarded when the Grand Duke appoints Judge just in time to save him from the hangman s nooseAzdak then proceeds to dispense justice to the poor and down trodden in a manner never witnessed before in the land. Adzak s two year reign as Judge is treated as an era of rough justice especially forthe poor and vulnerable in society. -. The singer says he broke the rules to save them- At long last the poor and the lowly had someone who was not too holy to be bribed by empty hands. QUESTION 2Human weaknesses affect characters negatively.
Adzak s two year reign as Judge is treated as an era of rough justice especially forthe poor and vulnerable in society. -. The singer says he broke the rules to save them- At long last the poor and the lowly had someone who was not too holy to be bribed by empty hands. QUESTION 2Human weaknesses affect characters negatively. Explain the truth of the above assertion with reference to Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle 20mks Points of interpretationThe following must come out clearly;Weakness of a characterDetails of that weaknessHow it affects that character negativelyW1. Natela Abashwili s weakness on adoring things. She forgets her child at the time of war and takes clothes and boots instead, pg 25 The maid escapes with the child to save his life but Natela later goes for the child because she wants to inherit the governor s estate. She loses both the child and the estate. WII The fat prince greed and hunger for powerEliminates his brother to get his power,WIII The governor s lack of concern for his subjects. He oppresses his subjects forcing people to go to war, charging high taxation. He loses his life and power. WIV- Lavrenti and his wife undermines family values. Fails to give Grusha a warm welcome though she comes from town where war has broken out tired and sickWV The self righteous nature of Aniko shown through her hypocritical actionsWVI. Natela s hatred for the poor. She undermines Grusha during the court case feeling that Grusha is too poor to keep the child. She finally loses the child to the poor Grusha due to her arrogance. Question 3Discuss the consequences of Fighting and war in any society with evidence from Bertolt Brecht s The Caucasian Chalk Circle. IntroductionFighting and war in any society has far reaching consequences. During war people s normal lifestyle way of living is disrupted and there is a lot of destruction of property and lives. Bertolt Bretch has shown how war affects people in his play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle. BodyDuring war, the innocent and the vulnerable suffer the most from the effects of war and fighting. The servants say this about their employer, the Governor s family: They even have to have their weeping done for them p 26 .
Bertolt Bretch has shown how war affects people in his play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle. BodyDuring war, the innocent and the vulnerable suffer the most from the effects of war and fighting. The servants say this about their employer, the Governor s family: They even have to have their weeping done for them p 26 . Michael is being hunted down to be killed yet he is not aware of the war, being only an infant. There is disruption of people s normal lifestyles as farms and homes are abandoned. Resettlement has to be negotiated afresh after the war. See p7 prologue . As a result of war, there are ruins of a war ravaged Caucasian village, the people orchard is already destroyed and the once beautiful dairy farm is a ruin. People s livelihoods are destroyed as the goat herders complain of the low quality of cheese they now produce from their new settlement. The old man whom Grusha requests to sell her some milk retorts: Go to the soldiers if you want milk. The soldiers of the Grand Duke burn the houses of innocent people and kill them making it difficult for them to live peacefully. War creates internal refugees. The farmers and the goat herders have been displaced from their homes having been uprooted by the Germans. Grusha and her fellow workers flee into the Northern Mountains as a result of fighting in the city. Fighting and war breeds civil wars and counter coups as warring groups fight for supremacy. The grand Duke is overthrown by the princes who murder his governor but they are in turn rounded up and killed when the Grand Duke takes back powers. There is rampant landlessness during the war and fighting as seen in the cases presented before Azkak. He has been a thief as Shauwa says. The soldiers and policemen also break the law they are meant to uphold. The two farming groups goat herders and the fruit growers are landless. War results in exploitation and oppression. For instance, in The song of injustice in Persia. It is stated that the kings are driven by greed in their quest to acquire new territories by impoverishing peasants. Their sense of imperialism drives them into unrealistic adventures that Azdak refers to as the roof of the world ironically, as the soldiers kill each other, the marshals assault each other. There is fear and apprehensions which are direct effects of this war.
It is stated that the kings are driven by greed in their quest to acquire new territories by impoverishing peasants. Their sense of imperialism drives them into unrealistic adventures that Azdak refers to as the roof of the world ironically, as the soldiers kill each other, the marshals assault each other. There is fear and apprehensions which are direct effects of this war. Jussup feigns illness and lies in bed for a long time for fear of being drafted into the war. He only recovers when he hears that the war has ended. The song of the centre clearly portrays the fear among the soldiers at the front line. It says that if one wants to survive the war and come back home one has to remain at the center p47. The peasant woman at whose door Grusha leaves Michael shows extreme fear and apprehension at the sight of the soldiers. She disowns Grusha s agreement with her to claims that the child is hers and instead falls down on her knees begging for mercy. Grusha has to flee again with Michael. Accept any other relevant point. Expect 4 well developed illustrated points. Question 4. The society depicted in The Caucasian Chalk Circle is one that ignores important issues and gives priority to less serious ones leading often with disastrous consequences. Discuss the validity of the statement with illustrations from the play. Introduction: May be General or SpecificMany people ignore the important things that matter in their lives and instead pay attention to useless things that don t add value to their lives often leading to dire consequences. This is true of characters in the play like Natella Abashwili, the governor and others as discussed below. The governorImmensely rich yet has many beggars, petitioners etc at his door. Refuses to hear the message from the wounded rider before the mass and ever after leading to his tragic death. Page 16 -19Natella AbashwiliConcerned about the dresses to pack leading to her abandoning her baby. In the court she is interested in getting Michael back only because of the estates left by her husband. She ends up losing the baby to GrushaAniko and LavrentiCan t stand Grusha with her baby . Aniko is so religious to accept GrushaLavrenti forces Grusha to marry a dying man whom she does not love.
In the court she is interested in getting Michael back only because of the estates left by her husband. She ends up losing the baby to GrushaAniko and LavrentiCan t stand Grusha with her baby . Aniko is so religious to accept GrushaLavrenti forces Grusha to marry a dying man whom she does not love. He pays the mother of the man a huge sum and later the marriage is dissolved by Azdak. Jussup s motherInterested in marrying her son before he dies and no attempts to treat himShe has to feed the guests at the wedding, hiring a monk and later her son is divorced. Black Mailer. Interested in knowing whether a certain land owner raped his niece or not and not the plight of the niece. Heavily fined. InvalidGets a stroke when he hears the doctor he paid fees to train is treating freeHeavily fined. Prince KazbekiOne of the princes who ran down the warWants his unqualified nephew appointed the judgeEmbarrassed by Azdak in the mock trial and later killed on the return of the dukeQuestion 5Bertolt Bretch; The Caucasian Chalk Circle What there is shall go to those who are good for it . With illustrations from the play the caucasian chalk circle, write an essay in support of this statement.

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