Page 55 - the-trial

plause, but I’ll resist trying to guess what its meaning is too
soon. It really doesn’t matter to me, and I give his lordship
the judge my full and public permission to stop giving se-
cret signs to his paid subordinate down there and give his
orders in words instead; let him just say “Boo now!,” and
then the next time “Clap now!”.
Whether it was embarrassment or impatience, the judge
rocked backwards and forwards on his seat. The man be-
hind him, whom he had been talking with earlier, leant
forward again, either to give him a few general words of en-
couragement or some specific piece of advice. Below them
in the hall the people talked to each other quietly but ani-
matedly. The two factions had earlier seemed to hold views
strongly opposed to each other but now they began to inter-
mingle, a few individuals pointed up at K., others pointed
at the judge. The air in the room was fuggy and extremely
oppressive, those who were standing furthest away could
hardly even be seen through it. It must have been especial-
ly troublesome for those visitors who were in the gallery,
as they were forced to quietly ask the participants in the
assembly what exactly was happening, albeit with timid
glances at the judge. The replies they received were just as
quiet, and given behind the protection of a raised hand.
“I have nearly finished what I have to say,” said K., and as
there was no bell available he struck the desk with his fist in
a way that startled the judge and his advisor and made them
look up from each other. “Non of this concerns me, and I
am therefore able to make a calm assessment of it, and, as-
suming that this so-called court is of any real importance, it

The Trial