The Paris AtlasCharting the artists, works, and places worth returning to.

A character in The Trial

The Prison Chaplain

The priest in the cathedral identifies himself as the prison chaplain and tells Josef that his case is going badly.

The book

Cover of The Trial by Franz Kafka
The TrialFranz Kafka, 1925

A man is arrested without a charge and trapped inside rules controlled by authorities who refuse to explain them.

View the book

Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

The priest in the cathedral identifies himself as the prison chaplain and tells Josef that his case is going badly. He recites “Before the Law” and then argues through several interpretations without choosing one. He offers understanding without rescue. After their conversation, Josef leaves the cathedral and continues toward the ending the priest has helped him recognize.

If you like The Trial

Four books that share themes, tone, or setting with this one.

If you like Franz Kafka

Explore authors with a similar voice, perspective, and influence.

  • Illustrated portrait of George Orwell

    George Orwell

    English novelist, essayist and journalist, born Eric Arthur Blair, who wrote Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. He was an imperial policeman in Burma, a plongeur in Paris kitchens off the rue Mouffetard, and a militiaman shot through the neck in Spain before any of it.

    View author
  • Illustrated portrait of Louis-Ferdinand Céline

    Louis-Ferdinand Céline

    The doctor of the Paris slums who wrote the century's blackest, funniest novel — and changed the sound of French prose.

    View author
  • Illustrated portrait of Albert Camus

    Albert Camus

    French Algerian novelist, essayist, journalist and playwright who used the absurd and revolt to ask how people should live without false consolation.

    View author