‘In all the cases he listens to, Azdak rulings consider the weak in society as opposed to the rich.’ Write an essay to show the truthfulness of this statement. - The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Bretch.

Introduction

Azdak believed the written law was a tool of the rich to oppress the poor and the working class. He offers social justice that trashes the written law. In The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht judge Azdak is a poor man’s judge as he robs the rich to give to the poor.

1. The invalid versus the doctor (the limping man)
   This is the first case before the new judge. The invalid claims the doctor caused his stroke yet he had paid for his studies. Though he had paid for his fees, he had not repaid a cent of the money. When he heard that he was treating a patient for free he had a stroke. Now he wants his money back. Judge Azdak fines the invalid a thousand plasters and instructs the doctor to treat him for free. For the limping man who was operated for free, he claims he was operated on the left leg. As compensation he receives a bottle of rubbing alcohol.
2. The second case is the case of Ludovica versus the inn-keeper
   The inn-keeper accuses the stableman of raping his daughter. To determine the case Azdak asks the prosecutor to drop a knife on the floor of the court house for Ludovica to pick it up. He rules that there was mutual agreement. He sentences the inn-keeper to hand over the little roan he liked to ride. The complaint and the accused are punished in equal measure.
3. The third case is the old woman versus the farmers
   The old woman is accused of being found in possession of a stolen ham. A number of cows belonging to Shutoff were killed after he asked the accused to pay the rent on a piece of land. A matter of Ham, a cow and land. In her defence the defendant says the cow was given to her by St. Banditus as a souvenir since her son was killed at war. The saint also arranged it so she is let off the rent by farmer Shutoff on the piece of land. The ham came flying in at her window- a miracle. The farmers are sentenced to pay five hundred piasters for godlessness.
4. Fourthly, the case of Natella Abashwili versus Grusha Vashnadze
   It is a case to determine the true mother to a child. Azdak requests Shauwa to draw a circle on the floor. Michael is put in the centre. The two claimants are put on each side of the child. The true mother is she who can pull the child out of the circle. Natella pulls the child out of the circle but Grusha has let go and can’t bring herself to tear him to bits. Having looked at the conduct of this two and listened to them Azdak gives the child to Grusha. 

Related Topics ...

• Caucasian Chalk Circle
• The River and The Source
• The Whale Rider
• The Pearl
• Memories we Lost
• Blossoms of the Savannah
• Betrayal in The City

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is true that Azdak makes judgements that consider the weak in society as opposed to the affluent. He is the judge of the poor taking from the rich to give to the poor.
NB: Expect 4 well illustrated points

Introduction        -            2mks
Body                      -          12 mks               (3:3:3:3)
Conclusion          -           2mks
Language competence:           (4mks)

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