Azdak, despite his Solomonic Wisdom,
has some disgraceful traits. Write an essay in support of the statement basing
your illustrations on Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle
The elevation of Azdak to judge’s seat was somehow dramatic. The Ironshirts who had just met him considered his mannerism as uncouth and bold; “The judge was always a rascal! Now a rascal shall be a judge!” (pg74) As a judge, Azdak proved to be a rascal indeed, he blatantly and arrogantly dispensed with the book of statutes hence becoming the law. In his tenure as a judge, though dishonorable, he was considered to have brought in a “golden age of justice, however short.
As a judge, Azdak would openly receive a bribe, “I accept” extending his hand to both the accused and the prosecution. To Azdak, bribery was official business- “Good now the formalities are disposed of,” he would say as he pocketed the spoils. (pg78) His arrogance and greed blinded him to the numerous witnesses available. But, bribery did not influence him in passing judgment for in most occasions, the winners would be the victims and not the accuses. For example, the Innkeeper who bribed Azdak after suing the stableman in the claims of rape lost his beloved roan to the court.
Azdak was also abusive. He insulted Shauwa and called him a man-eater. He further called the people gathered in court dogs. Despite his sharp tongue, he has a quick wit and an intellectual brilliance about him. He sings about the war in Persia and also accepts Simon Shashava’s proverb challenges. However, when Simon says, “A fart has no nose, he penalizes him for contempt of court.
When we come across the character of Azdak, he is helping a beggar. He, in fact, takes him to his house and gives him some food. Thereafter, when he learns that the beggar was indeed the Grand Duke (Grand swindler) himself, Azdak like a law-abiding citizen is ready to confess his sins. He commands Shauwa to detain him and take him to court. However, the same Azdak who obeys the law becomes the man who sits on the statute book and dispenses law according to his will. He literally dishonours the law was supposed to uphold. Furthermore, he drinks wine while in court and shows off his torn pants standing on the table.
Although Azdak displays cavalier mannerism, and uncouth behavior, he still stands out as the best judge Grusinia ever had. He represents common sense and humane mannerism. He is the guy who saw the pain of the old lady he called “Granny Grusinia” and passed an edict that made the farmers realise their essence in helping the old in society. However, breaking of the traditions and dictates of the society does not elevate Azdak to a level of sainthood. No wonder he disappears from Grusinia before the law caught up with him.
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