How materialism and greed can bring down a country

The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht presents a short play that exposes the evils in our society. An earlier article had discussed the theme of abuse of power, motherhood and justice. This article will focus on greed and materialism.

Extreme desire for wealth and material possessions has caused people to be inhuman to others. In order to gain wealth, others have been involved in corruption, theft and murder. This article will also handle an essay question.

Governor George Abashwili is motivated by greed and materialism. As he goes to church on Easter Sunday, he ignores beggars and petitioners who are complaining about high taxes. He has plans to meet architects later to discuss plans to construct a new East wing to the palace.

This will be done by tearing the slums near the palace. He ignores a rider from the capital who is carrying news about the war as he is indifferent to the war.

Natella Abashwili is materialistic. She is so concerned about her possessions that she flees without her son. Instead of mourning for her slain husband, she is busy rummaging in the trunks, choosing clothes and shoes that she will need … the green one! And of course, the one with the fur trimming… ..(pg. 24).

She tells a servant to put the child down and get the saffron-coloured boots from the bedroom. She says she has to take the silver dress because it cost a thousand piasters. She is so engrossed with these that she abandons her son as she flees.

MATERIALISTIC

In the trial, it is apparent that she wants Michael back to reclaim her late husband’s estate tied to the boy.

Azdak is also materialistic. He accepts bribes before any court proceedings … before the proceedings, a short announcement­ — I accept … He takes bribes from the blackmailer, the innkeeper and demands for the little roan.

The singer reveals that Azdak is corrupt. He says that men won’t do much for a shilling, for a pound, they may be willing. For 20 pounds, the verdict is in the sack …. those who’ve only got a penny — they’ve one single, sole recourse: Azdak. Natella’s lawyers bribe him and he demands 40 piasters from Simon and Grusha.

The corporal is materialistic. He sells horses they are supposed to be travelling on because he receives a good price he could never get again (pg. 33). As a result, the soldiers are now limping as they pursue Grusha and Michael. The corporal says he smells a thousand piasters when he sees a child in a crib in the peasant’s house.

Grusha’s mother in-law is also materialistic. She arranges for her marriage to Jussup, who is dying, in order to get some money. The initial agreement was 400 piasters, but when she sees the child, she begins to weep that she will never survive the shame. She dries her tears when she is added 200 piasters.

The mother-in-law hires a monk instead of a priest to save on the money. She complains that if her son doesn’t die then she will be forced to bake more cakes the following day. She later feigns forgetfulness and quotes 700 piasters as the agreed fee.

When three musicians enter, she grumbles that she had three more on her neck.

Learners should explore the themes further.

Sample Essay Question:

Effects of war are devastating and all sectors of society are affected. Discuss.

Whenever there is an outbreak of war, the consequences are far reaching. Various sectors of the society suffer. The rich and poor consequently suffer as war is not discriminative. War causes injuries and death, displacement and separation of families, exploitation and oppression.

War causes injuries and death. The war in Persia, results in many casualties. People are maimed and killed. The beggars and petitioners lament….’I lost my leg in the Persian War’…. (pg. 14). The rider from the capital has a sling in his arm. Governor Georgi Abashwili is killed during the coup organised by Prince Kazbeki.

A judge replaced by Azdak is hanged (pg. 67). The singer highlights Simon’s experiences during the war on page 60 …’the battle began, grey at dawn, grew bloody at noon. The first man fell in front of me, the second behind me, the third at my side …. Thus, the war leads to many casualties from both the rich and the poor.

Wars cause displacement and separation of families. War can create internal refugees as people flee or abandon their homes to find safety. In the prologue, the Collective Goat Farm Rosa Luxembourg fled at the approach of Hitler’s Armies (pg. 7).

During the coup, the servants in the palace flee fearing for their lives. Natella flees leaving Michael behind. Grusha and Michael also flee into the Northern Mountains. Simon separates from his betrothed Grusha, as he has to escort Natella to safety.

The Grand Duke is forced to flee when his regime is overthrown (pg. 63). The displaced suffer due to separation from their loved ones and the hostile conditions they go through.

War results in exploitation and oppression. Those in power take advantage of their citizens during wars. The beggars and petitioners complain of high taxes and cost of living. The old man takes advantage and raises the price of milk to two piasters for a little pitcher of milk.

The song of Injustice in Persia summarises the greed of the rulers. The king must have a new province; the peasant must give up his savings. When Azdak role plays the Grand Duke, he exposes how the princes benefit from the war.

Instead of buying horses and food supplies for the war, they embezzle the funds to enrich themselves. He says … war lost but not for princes. Princes won their war. Got 3,863,000 piasters for horses not delivered, 8,240,000 piasters for food supplies not produced. Are therefore victors.

War lost only for Grusinia……. The rulers amass wealth as the citizens suffer during war.

In conclusion, the effects of war are devastating and all sectors of the society are affected.