Amerika

Karl’s arrival begins with a forgotten umbrella and an encounter with a ship’s stoker. He takes up the worker’s complaint against a superior, believing he can persuade the officers to listen. The unexpected appearance of his uncle changes Karl’s prospects before the dispute is settled.

The new country is full of movement, noise and impressive equipment. Streets, offices and hotels promise opportunity, but the rules governing entry and advancement keep slipping beyond Karl’s grasp. His wish to learn does not protect him from people who can reinterpret what he does.

Karl wants useful work and a secure place to live. He also wants his conduct understood fairly, which becomes harder whenever he must depend on someone else. Even those who offer help can expect obedience in return or accept accusations he believes he can answer.

Karl’s uncle welcomes him into a prosperous New York household and provides lessons. After Karl visits the country home of the uncle’s associate Pollunder, a letter cuts him off. The punishment follows a visit for which permission had seemed to be given, leaving Karl to dispute how the decision was made.

On the road, Karl quarrels with Delamarche and Robinson after they open his suitcase. His parents’ photograph goes missing. At the Hotel Occidental, head cook Grete Mitzelbach offers him work as an elevator boy, but a drunken visit from Robinson puts that position at risk.

Karl leaves his post briefly to get Robinson into a bed. He has arranged informal cover but has not obtained the required permission. Dismissal follows an inquiry that expands into unsupported accusations. Later, Delamarche shelters him from police pursuit, then prevents him from leaving the household he shares with Brunelda.