“Before the Law” by Franz Kafka: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

“Before the Law” by Franz Kafka, published in 1915 in the collection “The Stoker” demonstrates Kafka’s unique qualities of psychological insight, philosophical depth, and eerie atmospheric tension. Through the narrative of a man’s futile attempt to gain access to the Law, Kafka masterfully explores themes of alienation, bureaucratic labyrinths, and the search for meaning in an seemingly impenetrable and inaccessible system. The story’s dreamlike quality, coupled with its exploration of the human condition, has made it a timeless classic of modernist literature.

Main Events in “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

1. The Encounter at the Gate: A man from the country seeks entry into the law from a gatekeeper.
2. Initial Denial: The gatekeeper refuses immediate entry, leaving the man puzzled.
3. Hope for Future Entry: The man asks about the possibility of entry later, to which the gatekeeper responds vaguely.
4. The Temptation: The gate to the law stands open, tempting the man to peek inside.
5. Warning of Obstacles: The gatekeeper warns of more powerful gatekeepers beyond, deterring the man from attempting entry.
6. Enduring Wait: The man settles outside the gate, hoping for permission to enter.
7. Persistent Efforts: Over days and years, the man repeatedly pleads for entry, exhausting himself and the gatekeeper.
8. Empty Gestures: The man offers valuables in exchange for entry, but the gatekeeper accepts them without granting access.
9. Obsession and Despair: The man fixates on the gatekeeper, cursing his fate and growing old in futile attempts.
10. Revelation and Closure: In his final moments, the man questions why he’s the only one seeking entry, only to discover that the gate was meant only for him.

Literary Devices in “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

1. Allegory: The gate and gatekeeper represent the struggle for accessing authority or knowledge.
2. Alliteration: “gatekeeper” and “great men” create a rhythmic effect and emphasize key concepts.
3. Allusion: The gatekeeper’s mention of more powerful gatekeepers alludes to hierarchical structures or systems of authority.
4. Ambiguity: The gatekeeper’s responses leave the man uncertain about his chances of entry, adding to the story’s mysterious atmosphere.
5. Anaphora: “He makes many attempts… He curses… He becomes childish” emphasizes the man’s repeated actions and emotional decline.
6. Anthropomorphism: The gatekeeper is portrayed with human-like qualities, enhancing the surreal tone of the narrative.
7. Assonance: “gatekeeper” and “later” create a vowel sound repetition, drawing attention to the passage of time.
8. Conflict: The man’s desire for entry conflicts with the gatekeeper’s refusal, driving the narrative tension.
9. Foreshadowing: The gatekeeper’s warning about more powerful gatekeepers hints at future obstacles for the man.
10. Hyperbole: The gatekeeper’s claim of being “only the most lowly gatekeeper” exaggerates his importance in the man’s eyes.
11. Irony: The man’s belief that the law should be accessible contrasts with his futile attempts to gain entry.
12. Metaphor: The gate symbolizes the barrier between the man and the law, representing obstacles to achieving his goals.
13. Mood: The story’s atmosphere shifts from hopeful to despairing, evoking a range of emotions in the reader.
14. Paradox: The gatekeeper’s statement that the entrance was meant only for the man presents a paradoxical situation.
15. Personification: The gatekeeper’s actions, such as laughing and interrogating, imbue the gate with human-like qualities.
16. Repetition: The man’s repeated attempts and the gatekeeper’s consistent refusals reinforce the story’s central conflict.
17. Satire: Kafka satirizes bureaucratic systems or hierarchical structures through the absurdity of the man’s quest for entry.
18. Symbolism: The gate symbolizes barriers to knowledge or authority, while the law represents an elusive goal.
19. Theme: Themes of power, authority, and the futility of human endeavor are explored through the man’s quest for entry.
20. Tone: Kafka’s tone varies from hopeful to bleak, reflecting the man’s changing emotions and experiences.

Characterization in “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

Character	Description	Examples from the Story
The Man from the Country	Protagonist seeking entry into the law; persistent and hopeful initially, but becomes increasingly desperate and disillusioned over time.	Asks the gatekeeper about gaining entry, sits for days and years outside the gate, pleads and curses in frustration, spends everything he has to win over the gatekeeper.
The Gatekeeper	Guardian of the gate to the law; holds power over the man’s access; enigmatic and indifferent, yet somewhat mocking and manipulative.	Denies immediate entry, warns of more powerful gatekeepers, accepts valuables from the man without granting entry, reveals that the entrance was meant only for the man.
Minor Characters	Fleas in the gatekeeper’s fur collar; symbolic of the man’s desperation as he even turns to them for help in persuading the gatekeeper.	The man, in his desperation, tries to use every means possible to gain entry, including appealing to the fleas in the gatekeeper’s collar, showing his increasingly desperate state.

Major Themes in “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

• Alienation and Isolation: The story highlights the theme of alienation and isolation through the protagonist’s futile attempts to gain access to the Law. Despite his efforts, he is unable to connect with the gatekeeper or the Law, leaving him isolated and alone. This theme is exemplified when the protagonist spends years sitting in front of the gate, waiting for permission to enter, and eventually becomes childlike and weak.
• Bureaucratic Labyrinths: The story showcases the complexity and impenetrability of bureaucratic systems. The gatekeeper’s power and the protagonist’s powerlessness illustrate the frustrations of dealing with such systems. The gatekeeper’s indifference and the protagonist’s repeated failed attempts to gain entry demonstrate the theme of bureaucratic labyrinths, as seen in the gatekeeper’s statement, “I am powerful. And I am only the most lowly gatekeeper. But from room to room stand gatekeepers, each more powerful than the other.”
• The Search for Meaning and Access: The protagonist’s quest to gain access to the Law represents the human search for meaning and connection. Despite the gatekeeper’s repeated rejections, the protagonist continues to seek entry, symbolizing the human desire for understanding and belonging. This theme is evident when the protagonist asks the gatekeeper, “Everyone strives after the law, so how is that in these many years no one except me has requested entry?”
• The Absurdity of Life and Death: The story explores the absurdity of life and death through the protagonist’s futile efforts and eventual demise. The gatekeeper’s enigmatic statement, “Here no one else can gain entry, since this entrance was assigned only to you. I’m going now to close it,” underscores the theme of the absurdity of life and death, as the protagonist’s quest for meaning is ultimately unfulfilled.

Writing Style in “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

• Minimalist Prose: Kafka’s writing style in “Before the Law” is characterized by concise and straightforward language, devoid of unnecessary embellishments or descriptions.
  • Example: “Before the law sits a gatekeeper.”
• Surreal Atmosphere: The narrative creates a surreal atmosphere through its depiction of a mysterious gatekeeper and the abstract concept of the law.
  • Example: “At the moment the gate to the law stands open, as always, and the gatekeeper walks to the side…”
• Symbolism and Allegory: Kafka employs symbolism and allegory to convey deeper philosophical themes about power, authority, and the human condition.
  • Example: The gate symbolizes barriers to knowledge or authority, while the law represents an elusive goal.
• Dialogue as Revelation: The dialogue between the man and the gatekeeper serves as a means of revelation, gradually unfolding the existential dilemma faced by the man.
  • Example: “What do you still want to know, then? You are insatiable.”
• Existential Themes: Kafka explores existential themes such as the search for meaning, the absurdity of existence, and the inevitability of death.
  • Example: The man’s relentless pursuit of entry into the law reflects the human quest for purpose and understanding.
• Irony and Paradox: Irony and paradox permeate the narrative, highlighting the absurdity of the man’s situation and the inherent contradictions within the system.
  • Example: The gatekeeper’s revelation that the entrance was meant only for the man presents a paradoxical situation.
• Psychological Insight: Kafka delves into the psyche of the protagonist, portraying his emotional journey from hope to despair and ultimately acceptance.
  • Example: The man’s gradual descent into desperation and obsession with gaining entry into the law reveals insights into human nature.
• Cyclical Structure: The story follows a cyclical structure, with the man’s repeated attempts to gain entry mirroring the repetitive nature of existence.
  • Example: The man sits for days and years outside the gate, making many attempts to be let in, only to be consistently denied entry.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example from the Story
Existentialism	The story highlights the individual’s struggle for meaning and purpose in an seemingly impenetrable and inaccessible system.	The protagonist’s repeated attempts to gain entry into the Law, despite the gatekeeper’s rejections, demonstrate his existential crisis and search for meaning.
Psychoanalytic Theory	The gatekeeper represents the superego, blocking the protagonist’s access to the Law (symbolizing the unconscious mind). The protagonist’s fixation on gaining entry reveals his unconscious desires and repressed thoughts.	The gatekeeper’s power and control over the protagonist, as well as the protagonist’s obsession with gaining entry, illustrate the psychoanalytic concept of the superego’s influence on the individual’s thoughts and actions.
Absurdism	The story showcases the absurdity of human existence, as the protagonist’s rational efforts to gain entry into the Law are met with illogical and unexplained rejections.	The gatekeeper’s enigmatic statement, “Here no one else can gain entry, since this entrance was assigned only to you. I’m going now to close it,” exemplifies the absurdity of the situation, highlighting the meaninglessness of the protagonist’s quest.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
The Nature of Authority and Power	How does Kafka depict the relationship between authority and power in “Before the Law”?	In “Before the Law,” Kafka explores the complex dynamics of authority and power through the enigmatic gatekeeper and the protagonist’s futile quest for entry, revealing the arbitrary nature of bureaucratic systems and the existential struggle for access to knowledge and authority.
Existential Themes in Kafka’s Work	What existential themes are present in “Before the Law,” and how do they contribute to the narrative’s meaning?	“Before the Law” embodies Kafka’s existential philosophy, portraying the absurdity of human existence through the protagonist’s futile pursuit of entry into the law, highlighting themes of meaninglessness, alienation, and the inevitability of death.
Symbolism and Allegory in the Story	What symbolic elements and allegorical meanings can be found in “Before the Law,” and how do they enhance the narrative?	Through its use of symbolism and allegory, “Before the Law” functions as a richly layered narrative that explores profound existential themes, with the gate symbolizing barriers to knowledge and the law representing an elusive quest for meaning and understanding.
The Psychological Journey of the Protagonist	How does the protagonist’s psychological journey unfold throughout “Before the Law,” and what insights into human nature does it reveal?	The protagonist’s emotional and psychological transformation in “Before the Law” mirrors the universal human experience of grappling with existential questions, revealing the depths of despair, obsession, and ultimately acceptance in the face of insurmountable barriers.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

• How does Kafka’s use of ambiguity contribute to the existential theme in “Before the Law”?
• Answer: Kafka’s deliberate use of ambiguity in the dialogue between the man and the gatekeeper enhances the existential theme by leaving the reader uncertain about the nature of the law and the gatekeeper’s authority. For example, when the gatekeeper says, “It is possible, but not now,” the vague response mirrors the ambiguity inherent in existential dilemmas, where the pursuit of meaning often leads to more questions than answers. This ambiguity reinforces the story’s existential theme by highlighting the absurdity of the man’s quest for entry into a system that remains shrouded in mystery and uncertainty.
• How does Kafka employ the motif of time to convey the protagonist’s futile struggle in “Before the Law”?
• Answer: Kafka uses the motif of time to underscore the protagonist’s futile struggle against the passage of time and the inevitability of his eventual failure. For instance, the man sits “for days and years” outside the gate, symbolizing the relentless passage of time as he remains stuck in his futile pursuit. This motif of time reinforces the existential theme of the story by emphasizing the ephemeral nature of human existence and the futility of trying to impose order or meaning upon it.
• What role does the gatekeeper’s revelation about the entrance being meant only for the protagonist play in the narrative structure of “Before the Law”? Answer: The gatekeeper’s revelation serves as a climactic moment in the narrative structure of “Before the Law,” bringing the protagonist’s journey full circle and offering a resolution to his existential dilemma. When the gatekeeper informs the man that the entrance was assigned only to him, it resolves the central conflict of the story by providing a sense of closure to the man’s quest. This revelation also reinforces the story’s theme of existential absurdity, as the protagonist’s pursuit of entry into the law was ultimately futile, given that it was meant solely for him.
• How does Kafka utilize symbolism through the gate and the law to explore the theme of existential alienation in “Before the Law”?
• Answer: Kafka employs symbolism through the gate and the law to evoke a sense of existential alienation experienced by the protagonist. The gate symbolizes the insurmountable barriers and obstacles that stand between individuals and their quest for meaning or understanding, while the law represents an elusive and unattainable goal. For example, when the gatekeeper warns the man about more powerful gatekeepers beyond, it symbolizes the existential alienation felt when confronted with hierarchical structures or systems of authority. Through these symbols, Kafka conveys the existential angst and isolation inherent in the human condition, as individuals grapple with the inherent absurdity and meaninglessness of existence.

Literary Works Similar to “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

1. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: Like “Before the Law,” Jackson’s short story explores themes of power, authority, and the arbitrary nature of societal systems. In “The Lottery,” a small town conducts an annual ritual where a member of the community is chosen by a random draw to be stoned to death, revealing the dark underbelly of conformity and tradition.
2. “The Outsider” by Albert Camus: Camus’ existential short story digs out themes of isolation, alienation, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. Similar to Kafka’s work, “The Outsider” follows a protagonist who struggles against societal norms and expectations, ultimately finding himself alienated and disconnected from the world around him.
3. “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville: Melville’s tale explores themes of passive resistance, bureaucracy, and existential disillusionment. The titular character, Bartleby, passively refuses to comply with the demands of his employer, embodying a sense of existential inertia and defiance against the oppressive forces of society.
4. “The Trial” by Franz Kafka: Another work by Kafka, “The Trial” follows the protagonist, Josef K., as he navigates a labyrinthine legal system that accuses him of a crime that is never fully disclosed. Like “Before the Law,” “The Trial” explores themes of guilt, powerlessness, and the absurdity of bureaucratic institutions.
5. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Gilman’s short story delves into themes of confinement, madness, and the oppression of women in patriarchal society. Similar to Kafka’s work, “The Yellow Wallpaper” features a protagonist who feels trapped and powerless within the confines of her domestic life, ultimately descending into madness as she struggles against societal expectations.

Suggested Readings about/on “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

• Van Houtum, Henk. “Waiting before the law: Kafka on the border.” Social & Legal Studies 19.3 (2010): 285-297.
• Born, Jürgen. “Kafka’s Parable” Before the Law”: Reflections towards a Positive Interpretation.” Mosaic: A Journal for the Interdisciplinary Study of Literature 3.4 (1970): 153-162.
• Foshay, Raphael. “Derrida on Kafka’s” Before the Law”.” The Rocky Mountain Review (2009): 194-206.
• Teubner, Gunther. “The Law before its law: Franz Kafka on the (im) possibility of Law’s self-reflection.” Critical theory and legal autopoiesis. Manchester University Press, 2019. 84-102.
• Sai, Tharika. “The art of interpretation: A multitude of inferences in Franz Kafka’s” Before the Law”.” Issue 1 Int’l JL Mgmt. & Human. 5 (2022): 121.
• Singh, Rosy. “Kafka’s Before the Law and Thomas.” ITTFTF3||: 88.
• Fleming, Victor A. “Before the Law: An Analysis for the Legal Profession.” UALR LJ 1 (1978): 321.

Representative Quotations from “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Before the law sits a gatekeeper.”	The opening line of the story sets the scene and introduces the central metaphor of the gatekeeper and the law.	Structuralism: The gatekeeper symbolizes the intermediary between the individual and societal structures, reflecting the hierarchical nature of power and authority.
“It is possible, but not now.”	The gatekeeper’s ambiguous response to the man’s inquiry about entry into the law leaves the man uncertain about his chances, adding to the mysterious atmosphere of the narrative.	Existentialism: The uncertainty of entry reflects the existential dilemma faced by individuals when confronted with the absurdity and ambiguity of existence.
“I am powerful.”	The gatekeeper asserts his authority and dominance over the man, highlighting the unequal power dynamics at play.	Marxism: The gatekeeper’s assertion of power reflects the unequal distribution of power and privilege within hierarchical societal structures.
“The law should always be accessible for everyone.”	The man’s belief that the law should be accessible to all reflects his idealistic view of justice and fairness.	Legal Theory: The man’s expectation of universal accessibility to the law highlights the discrepancy between idealized notions of justice and the reality of institutional barriers.
“He makes many attempts to be let in.”	Despite repeated rejections, the man persists in his efforts to gain entry into the law, demonstrating his determination and resolve.	Psychoanalysis: The man’s repetitive behavior reflects his unconscious drive to confront and overcome the existential barriers represented by the gatekeeper and the law.
“I am taking this only so that you do not think you have failed to do anything.”	The gatekeeper’s acceptance of the man’s valuables without granting entry emphasizes the futility of the man’s efforts and the arbitrary nature of the gatekeeper’s authority.	Postmodernism: The gatekeeper’s actions blur the boundaries between truth and illusion, highlighting the subjective and constructed nature of reality and authority.
“Here no one else can gain entry, since this entrance was assigned only to you. I’m going now to close it.”	The gatekeeper’s revelation that the entrance was meant only for the man serves as a climactic moment, offering a resolution to the man’s existential quest.	Absurdism: The revelation underscores the absurdity of the man’s futile pursuit of entry into the law, revealing the arbitrary and meaningless nature of his struggle.