45 pages 1 hour read

Bertolt Brecht

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1944

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht tells the story of a peasant woman named Grusha who, during a political upheaval, rescues and raises an abandoned aristocrat’s child. As the biological mother returns to reclaim the child, a judge employs a unique test involving a chalk circle to determine the true mother based on who will prioritize the child’s well-being.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht captivates with its rich narrative, blending political and social commentary through compelling storytelling. Critics praise its inventive staging and thought-provoking themes. However, some find its multifaceted structure and heavy-handed messaging challenging. An essential read for those appreciating epic theater and Brechtian techniques.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Caucasian Chalk Circle?

Readers who appreciate political and social commentary through dramatic storytelling will enjoy The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht. This play suits fans of George Orwell's Animal Farm and Arthur Miller's The Crucible, who seek thought-provoking narratives about justice and society. The blend of epic theater and moral questions will captivate those intrigued by ethical dilemmas and human behavior.

RecommendedReading Age

15-18years

Book Details

Genre

Play: Drama

Allegory / Fable / Parable

German Literature

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Society: War

Period

Modernism

Topics

Education

History: World