“He has two antagonists: the first presses him from behind, from the origin. The second blocks the road ahead. He gives battle to both. To be sure, the first supports him in his fight with the second, for he wants to push him forward, and in the same way the second supports him in his fight with the first, since he drives him back. But it is only theoretically so. For it is not only the two antagonists who are there, but he himself as well, and who really knows his intentions? His dream, though, is that some time in an unguarded moment and this would require a night darker than any night has ever been yet he will jump out of the fighting line and be promoted, on account of his experience in fighting, to the position of umpire over his antagonists in their fight with each other.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Franz Kafka, the protagonist is described as having two antagonists, one pushing him from behind and the other blocking his path ahead. The protagonist is caught in a constant battle between these two forces, both of which seem to be working against him. Despite their conflicting actions, the antagonists unwittingly support each other in their fight with the protagonist. However, the protagonist's ultimate goal is to break free from this cycle of conflict and elevate himself to a position where he can oversee and control the actions of his antagonists. This passage captures the theme of internal struggle and the desire for power and control amidst external obstacles.
The Struggle of the Individual in a Complex World
In this passage, Kafka uses a powerful metaphor to illustrate the challenges faced by individuals in navigating competing forces in their lives. The two antagonists represent the internal and external obstacles that one must confront on their journey. This theme of conflict and uncertainty resonates in contemporary society, where individuals are constantly faced with competing demands and expectations. As people strive to find their way in a complex world, Kafka's words serve as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Franz Kafka on Antagonists
"He has two antagonists: the first presses him from behind, from the origin. The second blocks the road ahead. He gives battle to both. To be sure, the first supports him in his fight with the second, for he wants to push him forward, and in the same way the second supports him in his fight with the first, since he drives him back. But it is only theoretically so. For it is not only the two antagonists who are there, but he himself as well, and who really knows his intentions? His dream, though, is that some time in an unguarded moment and this would require a night darker than any night has ever been yet he will jump out of the fighting line and be promoted, on account of his experience in fighting, to the position of umpire over his antagonists in their fight with each other.” - Franz Kafka"
Reflection Questions:
In this passage from Franz Kafka, the protagonist is caught between two antagonists, both pushing and pulling him in different directions. Reflecting on this, consider the following questions:
- Have you ever felt torn between two opposing forces or responsibilities in your own life?
- How do you navigate competing demands or expectations from different parties?
- Do you find yourself playing the role of mediator or peacekeeper in conflicts between others?
- What do you think Kafka is trying to convey about the complexities of human nature and relationships in this passage?
- How does the idea of becoming an "umpire" in the midst of conflict resonate with you personally?
Similar quotes
“And Harry remembered his first nightmarish trip into the forest, the first time he had ever encountered the thing that was then Voldemort, and how he had faced him, and how he and Dumbledore had discussed fighting a losing battle not long thereafter. It was important, Dumbledore said, to fight, and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then could evil be kept at bay, though never quite eradicated. . . .And Harry saw very clearly as he sat there under the hot sun how people who cared about him had stood in front of him one by one, his mother, his father, his godfather, and finally Dumbledore, all determined to protect him; but now that was over. He could not let anybody else stand between him and Voldemort; he must abandon forever the illusion he ought to have lost at the age of one, that theshelter of a parent’s arms meant that nothing could hurt him. There was no waking from his nightmare, no comforting whisper in the dark that he was safe really, that it was all in his imagination; the last and greatest of his protectors had died, and he was more alone than he had ever been before.”
“As the figure moved before him he followed the muscles as they wove beneath the skin. he was not only fighting with an assailant who was awaiting for that split second in which to strike him dead, but he was stabbing at a masterpiece -- at sculpture that leapt and heaved, at a marvel of inky shadow and silver light. A great wave of nausea surged through him and his knife felt putrid in his hand. His body went on fighting”
“She has her helmet, shield and sword. Does she finish him or take pity on the gutless thing before her?Does she set fire and smoke him out, forcing him to fight, or does she let him live with himself and take satisfaction from knowing that he has never been in a real fight in his life and that one day he will have to face his demons in person, along with the consequences, and that both can be far more painful than anything she could ever do to him.”
“The idealist withdrew himself, because he could not suffer the jostling of the human crowd; he had not the strength to fight and so called the battle vulgar; he was vain, and since his fellows would not take him at his own estimate, consoled himself with despising his fellows.”
“Listen, there is no way any true man is going to let children live around him in his home and not discipline and teach, fight and mold them until they know all he knows. His goal is to make them better than he is. Being their friend is a distant second to this.”