What is ‘the Law’ and what – or who – is it for?

5 October 2015

“Everyone strives to reach the Law”, says the man, “how is it, then, that in all these years no one has sought admittance but me?” The doorkeeper realises that the man is nearing his end, and in order to reach his failing hearing, he bellows in his ear: “No one else could gain admittance here, because this entrance was intended solely for you. I shall now go and shut it”. (Kafka, The Trial)