The end of the first chapter, as
well as the second chapter of “The Trial” is simply a continuation of what was
expected to happen; Josef K. goes to work with three men appointed to him by
the inspector. The same question remains, though. Why is he allowed to go about
his regular routine if he is under arrest? In a way, K. reacts to the whole situation
rather calmly, he lives a blissful, yet ignorant life and does not confront
reality the way a man of his age should.
Josef’s journey to court exemplifies
the kind of person he is. To begin with, he almost oversleeps after carelessly
going out drinking the night before. There is a sharp contrast between the two
sides of K.’s personality. On one side, he is an exceptionally smart,
successful banker. On the other, he is a thoughtless, disorganized man who
allows his money to get to his head and make him live a life in which he
rejects reality. Joseph K.’s dual character slowly came to light as I read
through these few pages.
I agree with Vero. Joseph K.'s character is a small comparison to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. On one end, he's successful, charming, poised, and confident. On the other end, he's irritable, arrogant, impulsive, and disorganized.
ReplyDeleteThis is quite evident during K.'s journey to the court is also a great symbol of who he is as a person. The fact that he takes the whole situation without much care or thought shows us his disorganized and careless behavior. His relations and reputations at work on the other hand, show us how professional and successful the man is at work.
K.'s goal should be to clear out the whole situation as effectively as possible, without ruining his reputation or giving off bad first impressions. K. digs himself into a hole when he shows up late to the courtroom. His careless behavior and indifferent personality might ultimately be the fuel to the engine that is this upcoming hatred and resentment toward K.