# Chapter Eight: Block, the businessman—Dismissing the lawyer explained — The Trial

> Chapter companion for The Trial by Franz Kafka.

## What happens

K. resolves to dismiss his lawyer, Dr. Huld, and visits him late at night. He encounters Block, a businessman who has been Huld's client for over five years and who now lives in the maid's room to be available at all hours. Block reveals he has hired five additional petty lawyers out of desperation. Leni tries to prevent K. from seeing the lawyer, but K. locks himself in the lawyer's room and announces his intention to dismiss him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Bureaucracy and Absurdity

Block's desperate strategy of hiring five additional lawyers and sleeping in the maid's room to be available at any hour illustrates the absurd, dehumanizing nature of the legal process.

### Alienation and Isolation

K. feels isolated in his decision to dismiss the lawyer, and Block's solitary existence in a windowless room underscores the alienation experienced by defendants.

### Futility of Resistance

Despite Block's elaborate efforts—multiple lawyers, constant availability—his case drags on for years with no resolution, suggesting the futility of resisting the court's opaque machinery.

## Character check-ins

### Josef K.

K. arrives at the lawyer's flat determined to dismiss him, despite lingering doubts. He interrogates Block and later locks himself in the lawyer's room to avoid Leni's interference.

### Leni

Leni is seen running away in her nightshirt and later tries to prevent K. from entering the lawyer's room. She explains Block's situation and attempts to physically stop K.

### Block

Block is a small, wizened businessman who has been represented by Dr. Huld for over five years. He sleeps in the maid's room, has hired five additional lawyers, and is deeply dependent on Huld.

### Dr. Huld

The lawyer is in bed reading when K. arrives. He complains about the late hour and questions K. about locking the door, but K. proceeds to dismiss him.

## Key lines

> K. had at last made the decision to withdraw his defence from the lawyer. It was impossible to remove his doubts as to whether this was the right decision, but this was outweighed by his belief in its necessity.

K. finally decided to fire his lawyer, though he remained uncertain if it was wise; still, he felt it had to be done.

_K.'s internal conflict about dismissing the lawyer is established at the chapter's opening._

> I've taken on other lawyers besides him. ... That's not allowed. And it's allowed least of all to take on petty lawyers when you've already got a proper one. And that's just what I have done, besides him I've got five petty lawyers.

Block confesses that he has secretly hired five additional lawyers, which is forbidden when one already has a principal lawyer.

_Block reveals his desperate and unauthorized strategy to K., highlighting the absurdity of the legal system._

> He's sacking him! ... He's sacking his lawyer!

Block shouts in excitement when K. reveals his plan to dismiss Dr. Huld.

_Block's reaction underscores the perceived gravity and rarity of such a decision._

## Links

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