As I finished the novel I could not help but analyze the different aspects in the novel that were relevant to the lecture on the different types of institutions that control the protagonists life in a Kafka novel. However, I feel as if the themes from the other lectures on Mr. Shapiro begin to play a role as well. Kafka's character Joseph K. is inflicted with a trial and his first reaction is to do anything to benefit himself. Although this is very understandable given the current situation that he is in, it relates to the lecture about how all humans are selfish.
I know that Ben kind of pointed out this aspect, but I feel that it is such an intricate part of the book and describes human nature that it had to be mentioned again. When humans are put in a difficult situation, they may struggle at first. However, due to our intellectual capacity we accept what is presented to us and attempt to make the best out of any situation. This is prevalent in the trial. I felt as if K. accepted the trial as a part of his everyday life. For him, the trial was no different than waking up and brushing his teeth: it became part of his everyday life.
Another aspect that I want to acknowledge has to do with one of the three institutions that were apparent in Mr. Shapiro's lecture: government (state). The government is supposed to make laws that protect its citizens. However, "The Trial" shows that the government does not create law that benefit each citizen equally. Citizens like K. can be engulfed in horrible situations like K. by the government and have no out.
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