The isolated, desolate, and estranged setting that is evident in the parable is similar to both the atmosphere of the cathedral, itself, and Kafka’s environment set up in the “The Trial.” The parable relates the story of a man who desires entrance to what is referred to as ‘the Law.’ He is denied. He waits patiently for the remainder of his life for permission that is never granted. Although the story is rather simple, it bounces between the realm of reality and qualities of a dreamlike world, that neither the reader nor K, can fully identify with. There is a presence of an eternity of entrances and gatekeepers, where, after the battle to enter one ends, the war to gain access to another begins.

The cathedral, normally a sanction of saf

K’s guilt from being human is a resultant of the lack of knowledge available to him. According to Kafka’s audience, the only thing K is found guilty of is not knowing the law.(9) Joseph renders that truth is no longer a concept that can be defended. Truth has become a system in which everyone submits to and accepts, whether it be lies or fact. What is believed to be true, is therefore necessary to carry out. The universal system of the “Law” has become certainty, and since truth is infallible, the “Law” is a truth that is certain. K views the “Law” as a dark shadow upon humanity, and what he sees right before his death of a figure with outstretched arms, is the only light that gives him hope.

Both Joseph K and the man from the country are able to conceptualize the “reality” of the “Law” by the end of the parable. After a long debate with the priest over the interpretation of the text, K is told “you don’t have to consider everything true, you just have to consider it necessary.”(223) The statement enables Joseph to conclude that “Lies are made into a universal system.”(223) Thus, K discovers the true plight of his predicament, and learns that “The text [or the Law

Some topics in this essay:
Franz Kafka’s, According Kafka’s, Joseph Cathedral, Joseph Joseph, “the trial”, parable “before law”, kafka’s audience, priest relays, “before law”, parable “before,