The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Scene 4 launches into an entirely new story, set within the same world and time frame of Grusha’s tale. The Singer introduces the story of the Judge, who will be the judge at Grusha and the Governor’s Wife’s trial. He tells the audience that “On the Easter Sunday of the great revolt […]/The village clerk Azdak found a fugitive in the woods and hid him in his hut” (91). The fugitive is dressed in rags, and Azdak assumes he is a poor villager in need of shelter. When he is inside, Azdak grows suspicious and asks to see the Fugitive’s hands. He sees they are not cracked like a servant’s and accuses the man of being a fraud.

Shauva, a policeman, knocks at the door and asks if Azdak is hiding the Fugitive. Azdak decides not to out the Fugitive and sends Shauva away. It turns out the beggar is the Grand Duke, who started the rebellion, in disguise. Upon making this discovery, Azdak is horrified that he helped shelter someone who oppresses the people. He is unaware that the riots are the Ironshirts and thinks that it’s the working class that has revolted against the Government.