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LEADERS CAN BOTH BE DISGRACEFUL AND HONORABLE

The Caucasian Chalk Circle presents a paradoxical situation as it presents Azdak as filthy leader who is loved by the masses and despised by the rich.

Azdak in the play Caucasian Chalk Circle is a disgraceful character. Despite this, he is believably one of the best characters because of his witticism and bravado at turning situations against those that he sees as profiteers of the law. Being a village scrivener, Azdak comes out as a learned incorrigible citizen who always goes against the norm to insult the custodians of the law like Shauwa. And as a judge, he takes the advantage of anarchy to rein terror on any corrupt wealthy individual who presents a case to him.
The character of Azdak can be captured in individuals within a country like Kenya. Of late, the newspapers (in Kenya) have been awash with tales of corruption that the unwitting Kenyans are of the opinion that, for the first time in 20 years, the government is committed in curbing the widespread corruption.
Grusinia in the play the Caucasian Chalk was at wits end when Azdak became a judge. At the time- a time of war- Azdak says, in a play with a play that, the Princes profited from the war coffers. He says, Although Grusinia lost the war, the princes won. To the princes, the time of war was like winning the lottery. With massive corruption, Azdak took advantage of the situation and openly accepted bribes in court.
Many who gave Azdak bribes thought that the case will be decided in their favour, however, the witty Azdak would always turn the case those he profited from. For example, in the case of the doctor and the invalid, after taking the money of the invalid, Azdak went ahead and stamped a penalty of 1000 piaster on the poor fellow.

This is to show that, in country with rampant corruption, one doesn’t need to take bribes to give favours. One need to stand on principle and do what is best for the interest of the society. Kenya can benefit from such wisdom in a leader! 

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