"The Balek Scales," by Heinrich Böll, tells the story of villagers who do not question their poverty or the control of the powerful Balek family. Things have not changed in five generations.

Why have the villagers been willing to live by the Baleks' rules? In your opinion, why has no one ever questioned the injustice of the Baleks? Why has no one ever challenged the law about owning scales? What is the result of challenging the Baleks? Write your answer in paragraph form and give examples from the story.

Question

"The Balek Scales," by Heinrich Böll, tells the story of villagers who do not question their poverty or the control of the powerful Balek family. Things have not changed in five generations.

Why have the villagers been willing to live by the Baleks' rules? In your opinion, why has no one ever questioned the injustice of the Baleks? Why has no one ever challenged the law about owning scales? What is the result of challenging the Baleks? Write your answer in paragraph form and give examples from the story.