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Patricia Williams
Mr. Kunzinger
ENG 311
09 February 2010
Before the Law
Before the Law to me is about a Youngman that had been sheltered and quite uninformed about the law of the land. To this doorkeeper there comes a man from the country and prays for admittance to the Law. However, the doorkeeper says that he cannot grant admittance now. The man thinks it over and asks if he will be allowed in later. It is possible, says the doorkeeper, but not at the moment. Since the gate stands open as usual, and the doorkeeper steps to one side, the man stoops to peer through the gateway into the interior. Observing that, the doorkeeper laughs and says; "If you are so drawn to it, just try to go in despite my veto. Nevertheless, take note: I am powerful. In addition, I am only the least of the doorkeepers. From hall to hall there is one doorkeeper after another, each more powerful than the last. The third doorkeeper is already so terrible that even I cannot bear to look at him. The doorkeeper’s actions are puzzling to the man for they were not expected. The Law, he thinks, should surely be accessible at all times and to everyone. He now takes a closer look at the doorkeeper in his fur coat, with his big sharp nose and long thin, black Tartar beard. Fear takes hold and he decides that it is better to wait until he gets permission to enter. The doorkeeper gives him a stool and lets him sit down at one side of the door. There he sits for days and years. He makes many attempts to be admitted, and wearies the doorkeeper by his importunity. The doorkeeper frequently has little interaction with him. From time to time, ask him questions about his home and many other minor things. The questions stated apathetically, as well as finish with the statement access denied. The man, who has furnished himself with many things for his journey, sacrifices all he has, however valuable to the doorkeeper. The doorkeeper accepts everything, but always with the remark: "I am only...