English 4
English 4
English 4
Presentation
Submitted by:
Sakshi Naik
Fourth Year, BSLS
Roll no.: 100
Topic: Critical Analysis of
Mr. Havlena’s Verdict by Karel Capek
Introduction of the author
Karel Capek was a Czech writer,
playwright and critic.
He has become best known for his
science fiction, including his novel
War with the Newts and play
Rossum's Universal Robots.
He also wrote many politically
charged works dealing with the
social turmoil of his time.
Influenced by American pragmatic
liberalism, he campaigned in favor
of free expression and strongly
opposed the rise of both fascism and
communism in Europe.
Summary
Mr. Havlena, a law student who discontinued
his studies used to supply cases for police
reporters.
One day Havlena imagined a case. It was the
case of an old bachelor who had a quarrel with
a widow who lived. So he got a parrot and
trained it well so that wherever the lady
appeared on her balcony it screeched “You
slut”. The woman brought an action against
him for defamation of character. The district
courts sentenced him to 14 days
imprisonment.
The case appeared in six newspapers. The
Ministry of Justice decided to file an appeal
against the order of the district court.
Havlena was not prepared to take this disgrace.
He got a parrot, trained it up and made it utter
the same words at an old woman living
opposite to his house. Contrary to his
expectations the woman was not offended.
Havlena successfully persuaded her to bring an
action against him.
When the case came up for a trial, in spite of
Havlena’s strong arguments admitting the
allegations, the Court found no reason in it and
acquitted Havlena. Havlena filed an appeal
which was dismissed as well.
Thereafter, Havlena was found loitering about
the street like a lost soul.
Conclusion