Metropolis · Chapter
VII explained
Freder, having exchanged clothes with the worker Georgi, arrives at Josaphat's apartment seeking refuge.
What happens
Freder, having exchanged clothes with the worker Georgi, arrives at Josaphat's apartment seeking refuge. He reveals that he has cut ties with his father, Joh Fredersen, and intends to forge his own path. Josaphat pledges his loyalty and friendship, but their conversation is interrupted by Slim, who forces Josaphat to vacate the apartment. A violent struggle ensues, ending with Josaphat's defeat and departure, clutching Freder's cap.
Themes in this chapter
Father-Son Conflict
Freder declares himself free from his father, Joh Fredersen, but Josaphat argues that such freedom is impossible, comparing Joh's power to the inescapable laws of nature.
Class Division and Exploitation
Freder's exchange of clothes with the worker Georgi symbolizes his attempt to cross class boundaries, while Slim's enforcement of Joh's will highlights the exploitation inherent in the system.
Love and Sacrifice
Josaphat's unwavering loyalty and willingness to sacrifice his home and safety for Freder exemplify the theme of sacrificial love and friendship.
Characters to notice
- Freder
Arrives at Josaphat's apartment in worker's clothes, having exchanged suits with Georgi. Declares himself free from his father and seeks Josaphat's trust and companionship.
- Josaphat
Waits for Freder all night, pledges unwavering loyalty and friendship. Later forced out of his apartment by Slim after a physical fight.
- Slim
Arrives at Josaphat's door, forces him to leave the apartment, and engages in a violent struggle with him. Remains cold and calculating throughout.
- Joh Fredersen
Referenced as the all-powerful father from whom Freder has freed himself. Josaphat compares him to the earth's gravitational pull, implying his control is absolute.
- Georgi
Mentioned as the worker with whom Freder exchanged clothes. He was supposed to come to Josaphat's but never arrived, raising concerns about his fate.
Key passages
“When Joh Fredersen sets a man free it means just as much as if the earth were to shut off from a man her powers of attraction. It means falling into nothing”
Josaphat compares Joh Fredersen's power to the earth's gravity, suggesting that being cast out by him is like being abandoned to a void.
Josaphat uses this metaphor to explain the futility of Freder's attempt to break free from his father.
“One does not set oneself free from your father. It is he who decides whether one remains with him or must leave him.”
Josaphat tells Freder that freedom from Joh Fredersen is not a choice; Joh alone determines who stays or goes.
This underscores the theme of father-son conflict and the absolute control Joh wields.
“I have no friends, Josaphat, and, what weighs still more, I have no friend.”
Freder admits he has no true friends, only playfellows, highlighting his isolation despite his wealth.
This moment leads to Freder's emotional plea for Josaphat to become his friend and brother.