In class today one group thought that the theme of the short story "Before the Law" by Franz Kafka is that "if you do not try, nothing will change." As soon as I heard them say that, it made sense. I knew that was exactly right. The man is the story is complacent, he does not try to change the law, he just accepts it, while complaining. By using a parable Kafka is able to make the story more relatable and get across his point without offending people, because he does not directly say his views or opinion. Instead he conveys it though a story. He makes you feel frustrated for the main character, then you, even if it's subconsciously, realize what Kafka is trying to say. Kafka was able to make the law a physical barrier, one that a reader can visualize. Passing through the gates symbolizes breaking the rules, it symbolizes trying and taking action. Not simply accepting fate and waiting for a change. The laws set in stone, not just by our government, but by our society, and by ourselves, are not always right. Sometime in our heads we have our unwritten rules that we follow, but they hinder us for reaching our full potential. We need to build up the courage to fight our own inner "rules". We need to have the courage to fight the law, because as Abraham Lincoln said a "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth." People change, and therefore laws need to evolve to represent the people. Laws will not change by people complaining. Laws change once people take action. In the modern world I feel that this is very evident. People are quick to comment how they feel or complain on social media, but are reluctant to do something that will actually make a difference. Additionally, the lesson of this parable can connect to the story of Antigone. Antigone defied the law. Despite the consequence of death, she does what she believes is right and crosses the gate (=breaks the law). Even though the ending of "Antigone" and "Before the Law" both end in death of the main characters, they both tell very different stories. It is up to you to decide which one was a more fulfilling life; the one who defied the law and stood up for what was right, or the one who was complacent.
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