Before the Law: Marxist Criticism vs Psychological Theory

After reading, Before the Law by Franz Kafka, my group and I were able to conclude that the story could be interpreted through a variety of different approaches. The reasoning as to why this occurred within our discussion was because we all individually thought that various approaches (such as the Marxist theory, reading-response, formalism/new criticism, and psychological theory) would be the best critical approach to utilize for interpreting the passage. However, after presenting our evidence with explanations we ended up deciding that the two best ways to approach and understand this reading were through the Marxist and psychological theory.

My group and I ended up deciding that the Marxist theory could be one of the two best critical approaches for the reading because of various statements within the reading. One main factor as to why my group decided to utilize such a theory was due to the call of attention within the social and economic status between the man and the gatekeeper. It is stated within the reading that the gatekeeper is wearing a fur coat. Thus, inducing the notion of wealth within the gatekeeper. As stated in the reading, “Literary characters can be divided into powerful oppressors and their powerless victims,” (Gardner 1). As characterized in the passage, the law and the gatekeeper represent the powerful oppressor, whereas, the man represents the powerless victim. Within the reading it is also stated that there is a sense of power within the gatekeepers; “But take note: I am powerful. And I am only the most lowly gatekeeper. But from room to room stand gatekeepers, each more powerful than the other,” (Kafka 1). Thus inducing the notion of status among the characters with relations to the law. However, through a psychological approach this can be seen in a different perspective. The gatekeeper’s statement can be seen as a way to induce emotions; such as fear and caution within the man in order to mentally restrain him from reaching the law.

The other critical approach that my group decided to be one of the two best was the psychological theory. Through the visualization of this theory we were able to gain a different perspective of the passage. One is able to see that Kafka conveys important meanings within certain objects and characters of the story. The open gate along with the law symbolize the man’s main goal, whereas, the gatekeepers represent the barriers created to prevent him from reaching his objective. Nevertheless, although the barriers are physical objects and characters, they serve as mental challenges since they mentally rather than physically restrain the man from reaching his goal. The story also states, “Everyone strives after the law,” says the man, “so how is it that in these many years no one except me has requested entry?” (Kafka 2). Thus, presenting the fact that the barriers presented to the man were meant specifically for him, illustrating the notion of psychological oppression within his life. The man never felt the urge of challenging the law along with gatekeeper even though the doors of the gate remained open. As a result, he ended up wasting his entire life waiting for permission that was never granted to him.

Even though, both the Marxist and psychological theory are great ways to approach the reading, one literary theory is more useful than the other; the psychological theory. Through the utilization of the psychological theory, readers are able to gain a better understanding about the ending of the passage. In the literary work the gatekeeper states, “Here no one else can gain entry, since this entrance was assigned only to you. I’m going now to close it,” (Kafka 3). An ending much like this one creates confusion among many readers, but through a psychological approach one is able to fully interpret the meaning of such statements. As stated within the “Literary Criticism and Literary Theory” passage, “The most typical psychological literary criticism examines the internal mental states, the desires, and motivation of literary characters,” (Gardner 2). Ultimately, through a psychological approach one is able to understand that the man is determined and motivated to reach his goal, but due to his inner emotions; such as fear and cautiousness he is unable to attain his desire of reaching the law. Although, the gate remained open to the man, his inner fear and caution of consequences about entering without permission prevented him from achieving his goal (which was easy to access). For such a reason, a psychological approach is more useful than a Marxist one, it is able to provide the reader with a in depth interpretation.