Amerika: The Missing Person

Karl’s reversal of fortune mirrors his meteoric rise in status in the preceding chapter. There is a sense of balance or parallelism between the two chapters: Karl’s fortuitous meeting with his uncle is balanced by his unwise decision to visit Mr. Pollunder. However, Kafka makes it ambiguous as to whether Karl’s inability to navigate a complex society is to blame for his misfortune, or his being surrounded by malicious people such as Mr. Green. It’s possible that the trip was a ploy by Jakob’s business associates (Pollunder, Green, and potentially even Mak) to separate Karl from his uncle and prevent him from becoming involved in business. When Karl, “suddenly grasping the true state” (64) of the situation, confronts Green about his manipulation, he ultimately does nothing to fight his unfair banishment.

Karl feels regret upon arriving at Pollunder’s estate. Green’s presence casts a negative light on dinner, with Karl offended by his brash behavior and Pollunder allowing it in the first place. Being sensitive and unaccustomed to American social rules, Karl does not consider that Green may have some sort of authority over Pollunder.

Jakob’s reticence in allowing Karl to visit Pollunder is likely grounded in him believing the younger is too new to American society. This also explains Jakob’s general protectiveness and insistence that an English tutor accompany Karl everywhere.

Karl is still used to being taken care of by his uncle and thus lacks the ability to take control of the situation at Pollunder’s estate, being bossed around by Green and Klara. He blunders and misinterprets others’ actions—and is easily taken advantage of as a result. Karl and Klara’s argument and physical fight also strike an odd tone. Though Karl strongly dislikes Klara, it is not entirely clear whether Klara hates him, is attracted to him, or is simply trying to trick him into entering an awkward situation.

Jakob’s particular nature is evident in his letter to Karl (delivered by Green), which emphatically states that he is “a man of principle” (62) and so he cannot forgive his nephew’s offense. In Jakob’s opinion, Karl’s error is so egregious that it justifies his permanent exile. Karl loses the privilege that his uncle’s wealth temporarily gave him and is once again on his own, just as he was on the ship where he met the stoker. This fall from grace establishes a pattern for the rest of the novel: Karl wanders aimlessly, is taken in by someone who either pities or wishes to exploit him, and is later banished for making a mistake.

It is also possible that, as a high-powered businessman, Jakob is offended by any sign of disobedience: Forgiving Karl would be an admission of weakness, and he cannot allow his business associates to think him vulnerable. Either way, the trip ends up costing Karl his lavish lifestyle.

Karl’s idealistic and somewhat immature perspective is reflected in him thinking the trip will improve his relationship with his uncle. He looks forward to bonding with Jakob following this blunder, thinking that he will “tell his uncle all this straight out tomorrow” (50).

Green tells Karl that an accidental meeting with his uncle would be unfortunate, and given that Jakob owns so many businesses in New York, the younger would have better luck finding employment out west. It doesn’t occur to Karl that he could still attempt to reach out to his uncle, or if he recounted the evening’s events, perhaps he would be taken in again. Karl accepts his banishment almost as if he was expecting it and moves forward with an open mind.