Published posthumously in 1926, this is an unfinished work that Kafka had begun writing in January 1922. Its protagonist, known only as K., is a surveyor who claims to have been summoned by Count Westwest. But his arrival in the town results in a confrontation with the local administration, which prevents him from presenting himself to the count, as various bureaucratic filters arise. This reveals the attempts of a man to integrate into the system, a perseverance that may be considered futile, as he seems never to achieve his goal. In his frustration, K. falls in love, begins a married life, to the scandal of some, becomes involved with one person and another, is monitored by his assistants, and challenges opinions...
There are many interpretations of this work, among which the one by Thomas Mann stands out: a novel that revolves around grace. Indeed, the count’s summons can be interpreted as the protagonist’s vocation, to which he clings and makes the foundation of his fidelity, despite the countless obstacles that arise and his falls.