Thesis Statement
The short story “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka makes it apparent that despite there being more than one pathway towards one's goals, the only pathway in which people have a fixation on, and such narrow-minded arrogance is often their biggest downfall; even till death.

Evidence

• “...the Law, he thinks, should be accessible to every man and at all times...” (Kafka 2)
• “He makes many attempts to be allowed in and wearies the doorkeeper with his importunity.” (Kafka 2)
• “He forgets about the other doorkeepers, and this one seems to him the only barrier between himself and the Law.” (Kafka 3)
• “In the first years he curses his evil fate aloud; as he grows old, he only mutters to himself.” (Kafka 3)
• “But in the darkness he can perceive a radiance that streams immortally from the door of the Law. Now his life is drawing to a close.” (Kafka 4)
• “No one but you could gain admittance through this door, since this door was intended only for you.” (Kafka 5)

Conclusion

Success is often measured subjectively, and as such, varies from individual to individual. There are multiple ways to achieve it, though; no matter how it is measured, though, in “Before the Law” by Franz Kafka, such insightfulness is brushed off. In it, Kafka describes a man who hopes to attain access to what is simply called the “Law”. This “Law” can refer to really any achievement he hopes to achieve in life, though, a doorkeeper restricts his access to this “Law”. Other doorkeepers are present in this story, however, the man chooses to wait until death to gain access to this door (and unfortunately doesn’t). Most individuals embody this man, as people almost always tend desire something specific in life, but focus in on a specific path and claim it to be the only path towards their desire, and will live with such ideals till one’s demise, as a result of mortality. Kafka exhumes this very truth about humans that most refuse to admit. Instead of refusing, one should seek to embrace this truth and adapt to any obstacle; not to stay seated, expecting fate to be in their favor.