The Caucasian Chalk Circle: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Caucasian Chalk Circle" is a play that explores themes of justice, loyalty, and love through its major characters. Grusha, the protagonist, is a compassionate kitchen maid who becomes the guardian of a governor's abandoned child amidst political turmoil. Her journey highlights her selflessness and determination as she navigates challenges, including a hasty marriage and a court battle for custody. Azdak, a scrivener turned judge, embodies the complexities of justice during chaotic times; his rulings often favor the marginalized, revealing his conflicted loyalties and personal growth. Simon, Grusha's betrothed, represents steadfast love and commitment, willing to embrace Grusha's new reality. The governor, Georgi Abashwili, and his superficial wife, Natella, contrast sharply with Grusha's character, revealing their prioritization of status over familial bonds. Finally, the power-hungry prince, Arsen Kazbeki, serves as an antagonist who instigates conflict for personal gain. Together, these characters weave a narrative that examines human values and societal structures during a time of upheaval.
The Caucasian Chalk Circle: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Bertolt Brecht
First published: Der kaukasische Kreidekreis, 1949 (English translation, 1948)
Genre: Play
Locale: The Soviet Caucasus
Plot: Epic
Time: c. 900 c.e.; Prologue, 1945
Grusha, a young, attractive, unmarried, helpful kitchen maid in the family of the governor of a Caucasian city. The governor, returning from Easter Mass, is killed in a political uprising. His wife, concerned about fleeing with her elegant dresses, forgets her baby, and the kindhearted Grusha cares for him. Fleeing for safety to her brother's distant home in the mountains, she protects the child. Grusha's sister-in-law, concerned about an unmarried girl with a baby, has Grusha married to a supposedly dying man who revives immediately after the wedding. Grusha, however, is still loyal to her Easter morning betrothal to Simon, a soldier. When soldiers take the child back to the governor's wife, Grusha pleads in court for the child. The governor's wife needs the son for access to the family estates, but Grusha loves him and is best for him. She wins him and is given a divorce. Her love for Simon also is rewarded.
Azdak (ahz-DAHK) a village scrivener, suddenly elevated, during a time of political chaos, into the role of judge for two years. He is a drunken rascal given to stealing chickens and rabbits. During the political war, he befriended a beggar, sheltering him from the police, only to learn later that it was the grand duke. Azdak, upset at being a traitor to his own class, wants to be tried in court but instead is made judge. His rulings, using a feigned stupidity, reflect sympathy for the poor and weak. When he seems sympathetic to the governor's wife, Grusha berates him, touching off his guilt for betraying his own class. When the birth mother pulls the child from the chalk circle and Grusha refrains, so as not to maim him, Azdak grants her custody of the child.
Simon Shashava, a soldier and a guard at the palace. He has watched Grusha from behind a bush as she went to the river to do the laundry, putting her bare legs in the water. Simon, ordered to accompany the governor's wife into exile, first wins Grusha's promise of marriage, expecting to return in a few weeks. He follows her to her new husband's home in the mountains and then to court. He is willing to accept the child and marry Grusha.
Georgi Abashwili, a governor for the grand duke who is rather lackadaisical about his responsibilities and in recognizing realities. When the palace is captured after Easter Mass, he is killed.
Natella Abashwili, the governor's wife, a whining, superficial, self-centered woman concerned more about her dresses than about her child or the danger of the situation. It is clear that she seeks custody of the child primarily to get control of the governor's large estates.
Michael Abashwili, their child. He is well-behaved and cooperative on the difficult twenty-two-day journey with Grusha. He reciprocates Grusha's love.
Arsen Kazbeki, a fat, two-faced prince who shows deference to the governor and then engineers the palace revolt and kills the governor.