The Shadows of Authority and Guilt

Authority is acknowledged in circumstances where individuals feel compelled to respond, as illustrated in Kafka's The Trial with protagonist Kay’s encounter with the police. In recognizing the police’s authority, Kay admits guilt, suggesting that the acknowledgment of authority is shadowed by the burden of rumor and gossip, which can stain one’s reputation irrespective of truth. This forced choice highlights that defending oneself against a rumor inherently accepts some form of guilt, demonstrating the powerful role rumors play in shaping identity. Dalar argues that the mechanics surrounding rumors reveal how society judges individuals, creating a complex interplay between authority, guilt, and the pervasive nature of gossip.