Chapter 7

Summary

K. ponders about writing a self-defending account, dealing with his life, that is a self-analysis and judgement of the case and his motivation for his actions. The advocate Huld makes it a point to deliver an extensive monologue. He admonishes him at times and K. decides to stop paying his fees. He reminds himself of his experience with other cases, which were considered confidential. They have actually been just filed and never read by the court officials.

In all the previous cases and K.Â’s case the accused were only observed and interrogated.

A veil of secrecy shrouded the charge sheets and the accused never got to know what he was accused of.

With all these defects they never think in terms of modifying the judicial system. The lower officials feel it is better to adapt rather than come into conflict with the system and fall into "destruction". The only change one could expect is for the worse, a more ruthless and rigid system. K. remembers that he was rude to the chief clerk. Also the lawyers are extremely moody. A client cannot change lawyers in between cases either. If the case becomes too difficult for the lawyer to handle due to some reason all the pleas will be returned to the client. The case could be considered closed and the accused cannot clear his name.

K. feels that the lawyer could be alerting and aiding the officials. He also suspects that suddenly one day he will be told that the initial examination is over.

He keeps wondering how he could draw up his own plea as he feels a compelling urge not to do so. It so happens that on that day the Assistant Manager accidentally walks into his cabin with a manufacturer who tries to negotiate with K. At this moment K.'s reflections reveal that the accusation and its cause are still unknown and it would be difficult for him to account for every moment of his activities. He is at the peak of his career, competing with even the Assistant Manager, wasting his time fighting a case without knowing the exact nature of his arrest. K. draws himself to his full height leveling his height with the Assistant Manager.

While K.'s personal life is being turned inside out he can hardly discharge his duties in the office. There is an intrigue in the Bank as well. The Assistant Manager uses his influence over the invalid, Senior Manager to obtain favors for himself.

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