The Trial - Chapter 1 Summaries

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Questions and Answers

When his landlady's cook does not _________, K rings for her.

bring

A man who K has never seen before ____________.

knocks and steps into his bedroom

What do the men inform K?

He has been arrested, they request that he returns to his room, and they can't offer any explanations.

Who are the men that arrest K?

The warders Signup and view all the answers

What does K think of this arrest?

He wonders if it's a joke by his colleagues at the bank. Signup and view all the answers

When does K get arrested?

On his 30th birthday Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't K want to just assume the arrest is a joke?

He doesn't want to be too rash to the inferiors arresting him. Signup and view all the answers

K returns to his room and sees _ through __.

an older man and woman have been following/watching what has been happening through the windows of the apartment. Signup and view all the answers

One of the warders shouts for K to come ____ and make K _.

see the Inspector and make K change into a black suit. Signup and view all the answers

The adjoining room they go to has recently rented out to _________.

Fraulein Burstner, a typist Signup and view all the answers

Does the inspector give K any more details about his arrest?

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the inspector tell K?

He is free to go about his business for the time being. Signup and view all the answers

K then goes to the bank, but skips his usual _, , and __.

evening stroll, appearance at the beer hall, and weekly visit to Elsa. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Elsa?

The cabaret waitress that K sees once a week. Signup and view all the answers

K goes to see because he believes that the morning's events caused __.

Frau Grubach because he believes the morning's events caused upheaval in the household of Frau Grubach. Signup and view all the answers

How did Frau Burstner react to the presence of the warders?

She didn't care, K was her most valued lodger. Signup and view all the answers

K then waits for __________ to return home because she is always out late at the movies.

Fraulein Burstner. Signup and view all the answers

When Burstner returns, what does K explain and apologize for?

Explains what happened that morning and apologizes for the strangers being in there. Signup and view all the answers

What is Fraulein startled by?

K gave a shout that roused Frau Grubach's nephew. Signup and view all the answers

How does K comfort Burstner?

By covering her in kisses. Signup and view all the answers

What does K get informed to do over a phone call?

A brief inquiry into his case is to take place the following Sunday; he has the address but not the time. Signup and view all the answers

What does K have to decline because of his duty next Sunday?

The assistant manager's yacht party. Signup and view all the answers

What time does K decide to arrive at the inquiry vs. what time he gets there?

9 am, but he really gets there at around 10:05. Signup and view all the answers

Why does K go there on foot and not by taxi or car?

He doesn't want anyone else involved in his case and doesn't want to be too punctual. Signup and view all the answers

When K finally reaches the building, what is it like?

Very confusing, with separate stairwells and multiple floors. Signup and view all the answers

In order to find his way, K _____

Looks in each room pretending to find a person named Lanz. Signup and view all the answers

Finally, who tells him to enter and go through another door to get there?

A woman washing children's clothes. Signup and view all the answers

K enters the second room which is a meeting hall with a gallery and is led by _____

A small boy through the throng up onto a crowded platform at the other end of the hall. Signup and view all the answers

How does the examining magistrate act when K finally shows up?

He rebukes him but then K tries to calm him down. Signup and view all the answers

What does the crowd do after K tried to calm the examining magistrate down?

Half the crowd applauded. Signup and view all the answers

What does the magistrate ask K if he is?

A house painter. Signup and view all the answers

K condemns the court and then is interrupted by _____

A scream from the woman he met at the door causing a commotion. Signup and view all the answers

K jumps down into the crowd and realizes _____

All of the people are wearing identical badges, indicating they are all part of the court. Signup and view all the answers

What does the air in the courtroom seem like?

Thick and suffocating. Signup and view all the answers

K is waiting for the second summons but _____

He does not hear from the court. Signup and view all the answers

Who is K supposed to escort around town?

An Italian influential client. Signup and view all the answers

Where does K go the next Sunday morning and what happens?

He goes to the same address but is informed that there is no sitting today. Signup and view all the answers

What plot is K suspicious of?

Someone (assistant manager) is looking through his papers while he is away from his work. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the young woman and her husband live?

In the room without charge in exchange for their labor. Signup and view all the answers

Why does K accept all his commissions regardless of his energy being taxed from his case?

To refuse would be to admit weakness or fear. Signup and view all the answers

This woman is the same one who caused the disturbance last Sunday, so what happened?

She explained that the disturbance was caused by a law student who was after her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Leni say about K going to the cathedral?

"They're goading you." Signup and view all the answers

But why did the woman enter the courtroom in the first place?

She took an interest in K. Signup and view all the answers

As the Italian is late to the cathedral, what does K do?

Gives him a half-hour, then more, so he walks around the cathedral and leafs through a picture album he brought. Signup and view all the answers

Where is K when he goes off about his case and the court?

His office on a wintry morning. Signup and view all the answers

What is K upset with his lawyer about?

His lawyer's endless talk and minimal action. Signup and view all the answers

What does K's lawyer say about his case at this stage?

It is better to do nothing openly. Signup and view all the answers

What client does K see despite him not being able to concentrate on his work and what do they talk about?

The manufacturer; he knows about K's case and recommends K visits the painter Titorelli. Signup and view all the answers

What is Titorelli's job?

Paints portraits for the court. Signup and view all the answers

What does the painter get K to do before he leaves?

Buy several identical landscape paintings. Signup and view all the answers

How does K leave the painter's?

Through another door in the tiny room that leads to a hallway identical to the law offices. Signup and view all the answers

Who escorts K out of the hallway after leaving the painter's room?

An usher. Signup and view all the answers

What does the painter tell K is in every attic?

Law court offices. Signup and view all the answers

What does K decide he is going to do about his case?

Dismiss the lawyer from his services. Signup and view all the answers

What time does K arrive at the lawyer's house?

Around 10 o'clock. Signup and view all the answers

Who greets K at the door when he arrives at the lawyer's house?

Block, a corn merchant and another one of the lawyer's clients. Signup and view all the answers

What does K see that makes him suspicious of Block?

Leni running away in her nightgown. Signup and view all the answers

What does K immediately start questioning Block about?

If Block and Leni are lovers. Signup and view all the answers

How many years has Block's case been going on?

A little over 5 years. Signup and view all the answers

Who does K spend several days trying to speak with, and why?

Fraulein Burstner, because he wants to make amends for how he acted. Signup and view all the answers

What is the superstition that the defendants of the court believe?

You can tell the outcome of a man's trial based on the line of his lips. Signup and view all the answers

Why does K visit the lawyer to dismiss him rather than calling him on the phone?

K wants to get his true initial reaction. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the great lawyers that Block talks about?

The top tier of lawyers that every accused man dreams about. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Block sleep at the lawyer's house?

Because the lawyer doesn't always want to see Block and often makes him wait. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Block sleep?

In a tiny maid's room, only big enough for a bed. Signup and view all the answers

K knocks on Burstner's door, but ____

There is no answer and he goes in and feels he is doing something wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What does K notice after he leaves Burstner's room?

Montag and the Captain are talking in the dining room. Signup and view all the answers

What is so peculiar about Leni?

She finds all accused men attractive. Signup and view all the answers

What is so different about Chapter 8?

It was never completed. Signup and view all the answers

Does the lawyer like K?

True Signup and view all the answers

What last attempt does the lawyer make to keep K's case?

He shows K how much better he is treated by insulting and belittling Block. Signup and view all the answers

The captain (Frau Grubach's nephew) enters and greets Montag by _____

Kissing her hand respectfully. Signup and view all the answers

What does K wait for on Sunday?

Some sign from Burstner, but his letter is not answered. Signup and view all the answers

What does Montag tell K?

That Burstner thought it was best that the interview does not take place. Signup and view all the answers

Who does K see moving into Burstner's room?

Fraulein Montag. Signup and view all the answers

Who has been tortured the past week since K wasn't speaking to her and relieved that he now is?

The landlady (Frau Grubach). Signup and view all the answers

What is Block's secret that he tells K?

He has five other lawyers. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the painter live?

In a section of the city even poorer than the one where K went for his interrogation. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first person K sees at the cathedral who motions for K to come in?

A caretaker. Signup and view all the answers

Who does K run into on his way to visit the painter?

A group of nosy teenage girls. Signup and view all the answers

What does K do once he sees a preacher go into the pulpit and start to give a sermon?

K wants to return to the office, feeling it is an odd time to give a sermon. Signup and view all the answers

Who then throws herself at K?

The washer woman, then she disappears from the novel. Signup and view all the answers

K is at the threshold of offices and _____

The fresh air revives him, but then eventually cripples him as the courtroom air had from inside. Signup and view all the answers

What does Titorelli offer K?

To use his connections to help K with his case. Signup and view all the answers

What does the priest do that causes K to engage with him?

He calls out his name. Signup and view all the answers

K feels tired and then starts to feel faint, and then _____

A woman and the clerk of inquiries walk him to the sick room. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of acquittal?

-Definite acquittal (legend), -Ostensible acquittal, -Indefinite postponement. Signup and view all the answers

What does the priest tell K initially about his case?

He is the prison chaplain and summoned K to the cathedral; his case is going badly and might never make it to a higher court. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to K as he talks to the painter?

He begins to feel sick and finds the stuffy room unbearable. Signup and view all the answers

What does the priest tell K on their walk up and down the aisle?

A tale from the writings about the law; a country man tries to gain admittance but is always denied. Signup and view all the answers

What did the woman do when K offered to free her?

She didn't seem like she wanted freed and said the examining magistrate summoned her. Signup and view all the answers

What happens that confuses K about the priest, and what does the priest say?

K asks the priest why he was so friendly and now so indifferent; the chaplain reminds K he is part of the court. Signup and view all the answers

What does K realize about the woman?

He wants to possess her because of the revenge it would have on the examining magistrate. Signup and view all the answers

What does the usher want K to do?

Hurt the law student for him, but says he can't because the student could influence the case. Signup and view all the answers

The usher (the woman's husband) is frustrated and would like to hurt the law student but can't because _____

He's afraid of losing his job. Signup and view all the answers

What does the law student do?

Talks to the woman outside, kisses her, but then lifts her up and starts to carry her. Signup and view all the answers

Then the usher and K climb the stairs and see _____

Various accused men. Signup and view all the answers

What day is it?

K's thirty-first birthday. Signup and view all the answers

What does K think of one of the accused men?

He was demoralized and uncomfortable, he was pitiable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1

K's arrest begins when his landlady’s cook does not bring him breakfast as usual.
Unfamiliar men knock and enter his bedroom, stating K has been arrested without giving explanations.
The warders, who perform the arrest, require K to return to his room.
K initially thinks the incident may be a joke played by his colleagues at the bank.
K is arrested on his 30th birthday and is cautious about assuming the seriousness of the situation to avoid rash judgments.
Observing through the windows, an older man and woman watch the unfolding events.
One of the warders instructs K to change into formal attire for a meeting with the Inspector.
The Inspector, unable to provide more details about the case, informs K he is free for now.
K skips his usual evening activities post-arrest, such as a stroll and beer hall visit.
K believes the morning's events have unsettled Frau Grubach's household.
Despite her indifference, Fraulein Burstner remains a valued lodger for Frau Grubach.
K waits for Burstner to return, where he explains the morning's episode and performs a reenactment.

Chapter 2

K receives a phone call informing him of an inquiry into his case scheduled for the following Sunday.
Due to the inquiry, K declines attending the assistant manager's yacht party, underscoring his strained work relationships.
K plans to arrive at the inquiry at 9 AM but actually arrives around 10:05 AM.
Preferring not to involve others or arrive too punctually, K walks rather than taking a taxi.
Upon arriving, the confusing layout of the building hinders K’s navigation.
K looks into each room in search of someone named Lanz, hampered by common names.
A woman washing children's clothes eventually directs K to another room.
K enters a meeting hall filled with a crowd, led by a small boy to the platform.
The examining magistrate rebukes K upon arrival; K attempts to calm him, which leads to half the crowd applauding.
The magistrate mistakenly assumes K is a house painter, and K corrects him, revealing his true role as chief clerk of the bank.
K criticizes the court, only to be interrupted by commotion from a woman and a man.
Discovering that all present are adorned with identical badges, K realizes their relation to the court.
The atmosphere in the courtroom feels dense and stifling.

Chapter 3

K waits for a second summons but receives no communication from the court.
He revisits the inquiry location the next Sunday, where a young woman informs him there is no sitting today.
The young couple lives in the building without charge, compensating with their labor.
K is reminded of a previous disturbance caused by a law student, as he confronts the same woman.
To learn about what happens in court, K encounters the architect of his distress in person.
Despite his case draining K's energy, he takes on various commissions to showcase resilience and avoid appearing weak.

Chapter 4

K attempts to make amends with Fraulein Burstner after days of avoidance through letters.
Upon leaving Burstner’s room, K discovers a conversation occurring nearby between Montag and the captain.
K learns that Burstner has opted out of meeting him through Montag.
He witnesses Frau Grubach’s relief once communication between him and Burstner is restored.

Chapter 7

K is frustrated with his lawyer’s excessive talk and minimal action regarding his case.
Despite advice to remain inactive, K can't help but feel conflicted about his lawyer’s performance.
He meets with a manufacturer aware of K's situation, who suggests visiting Titorelli, a painter with possible influence.
Titorelli specializes in court portraits, inherited from his father, and offers K assistance through his connections.
After leaving the painter's studio, K is bemused by the lack of ventilation in the hallway leading back to the law offices.

Chapter 8

K resolves to dismiss his lawyer personally, seeking an honest reaction rather than a phone call.
He arrives at the lawyer's home at 10 AM, where he meets Block, another client.
K suspects Block due to a peculiar encounter with Leni, who seems to escape the room swiftly.
Block discloses that his case has been ongoing for over five years.
A superstition exists among defendants regarding the appearance of their lips predicting trial outcomes.
Block admits to having multiple lawyers, showcasing the absurdity of their bureaucratic entanglements.

Chapter 9

K’s thirty-first birthday is marked by the confusion surrounding his ongoing case.
He encounters a priest, who shares narratives about the law, though the priest seems indifferent to K’s plight.
The priest recounts a parable of a man denied access to law, emphasizing the futility of K’s situation.

Chapter 10

K’s inference regarding his birthday foreshadows further developments concerning his trial.
K’s reflections on the arrested individuals expose the degradation and despair risked in the court system.
The persistent confusion surrounding his case illustrates the themes of misunderstanding and alienation prevalent in the narrative.

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This quiz provides flashcards summarizing Chapter 1 of 'The Trial.' Each card highlights key events and characters, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the chapter's plot. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their grasp of Kafka's narrative.