The Threat of Gossip

Camille Kelleher

9/8/13

A common trend in the last few pages is the threat of gossip. It seems as if people are guilty before proven innocent. This theme is applicable to both the society and court. K. has to be aware of his actions and surroundings at all times in order to remain innocent in the perspective of bystanders. His matters are never private, there is always somebody watching and judging him. Such is evident on page 27 when Fraulein Burstner returns from the theater and K needs to confront her, “…so that when he stepped out of the darkened room it would resemble an assault…” The routine discomfort and awareness of threats that people have to deal with throughout their lives protects them from an intrusion of privacy and accusations. If K. was aware, as he is at work, of people wanting to see him and do business with him in his personal life then he may never have had been arrested. 

When people are not aware of their surroundings, they become ignorant and are more susceptible to intrusions.  Fraulein Burstner’s personal property was invaded because she was unconscious to what was happening around her and her neighbors. Everyone else knew; including the three bank clerks and Frau Grubach and they did not warn K because they did not want to sacrifice their sense of security.

 It seems as if false gossip will spread when people are not aware that they are being accused. From this spread of gossip, people will change opinions of one another, learn from one another, and join sides of whether the actions were permissible or not. There was a study done a couple of years ago that researched the benefits and consequences of gossiping. The main human trend that it found supports the nature of the characters in the book. I am predicting that the whole boarding house may take sides on K.’s trial; but, as of right now I am waiting to read the grounds of his accusation.