THE TRAMP VERSUS JOSEPH K.
The protagonist in Charlie Chaplin’s tramp is known more famously as the tramp. The protagonist in Kafka’s the trial is known as joseph k. Being protagonists these two characters have a lot in common. There are certain tributes and clichés attributed to protagonists in almost all literary works. These characteristics and attributes are meant to make the protagonist easily identifiable by the audience. These characteristics are also meant to endear the protagonist to the audience. Despite being both protagonists joseph k and the tramp are very different in terms of their characteristics and individual traits. The following essay delves deep into the character of joseph k and the tramp. I will proceed to contrast these two characters using not only their characteristics and traits but also their psychology and all aspects that make these characters exactly who they are.
Perhaps the most obvious distinguishing factor between the tramp and joseph k is their choice of attire. The tramp, perhaps because of the unique character that he is adorned a unique form of dressing to say the least. The most outstanding part of the tramp’s attire was perhaps his very baggy pants. These baggy pants seemed to be in constant conflict with his coat. This is because he wore a very tight coat that was just a few sizes smaller than his actual size. Of course he would not be the tramp without his signature iconic bowler hat which he was never caught without. The tramp also spotted a rather large pair of shoes that were just too large for the rest of his body. The tramp also had a cane and of course his legendary mustache that later became a key figure in pop culture. Joseph k could not be any more different from the tramp in terms of dressing. Joseph k never wore any outstanding or seemingly ridiculous outfit. He is a simple character in terms of dressing. He dresses appropriately for each occasion and does not have a unique or signature form of dressing. The disparities in dressing between the tramp and joseph k are obviously as a result of their character. Joseph k is a character on trial in a court. His predicament and character placement dictates simplicity and formality in dressing. The tramp, as the name suggests, is an entertainer to say the least. He is tasked with the difficult job of making people laugh.as a result of his character he needs a form of attire that will immediately catch the attention of the audience. He also needs attire with a comical aspect attached to it. This clearly explains why the tramp dressed rather ridiculously.one would not be at fault for mistaking him for a clown, a less demented clown at least.
The tramp and joseph k are very different in terms of their psychology. Joseph k is on trial for reasons unclear to him. He is asked to show up in court without being given a proper reason as to why he would show up. He is obedient and shows up none the less. While in court joseph k fights gallantly to maintain his innocence. He tries as best as he can to convince the people in the courtroom that he is innocent of whatever they are trying to accuse him of. Obviously joseph k is a sane man to say the least.no sane man would sit idly and watch as they are thrown in prison. A sane man would fight to the very end in an attempt to prove their innocence and stay out of jail. This is the type of man that joseph k is. The tramp is however different. When the tramp is arrested for allegedly leading a riot he seems to care less about his liberty. He is arrested though innocent of the crime he is accused of and immediately taken to jail. While in jail he thwarts a riot and in the process saves the life of the warder. The warder as a show of gratitude for his life being saved offers to let the tramp go. Surprisingly the tramp would rather stay in jail than walk free. The tramp claims that the situation in jail is fur much better than the situation in the outside world. I am not saying that the tramp is inane but his sanity compass surely needs some recalibration.it beats any logic for any man irrespective of their background and life experiences to want to stay in prison as opposed to walking free. Perhaps due to his psychological state the ramp found the outside world to be hostile and extreme. Perhaps he found solace and sanctity in a jail cell. This fact however greatly distinguishes him from joseph k. Joseph k fights to maintain and keep his freedom while the tramp throws his away seemingly for no tangible reason at all.
Joseph k and the tramp also differ greatly in terms of their mental capabilities. Joseph k is an intelligent man to say the least. He displays his intelligence while in court accused of unknown atrocities. Joseph k argues out his case in a well-structured manner. He has his points well thought out and basically has his entire defense thought out and pre-determined. Though he does not know exactly what he is on trial for he uses his mental prowess to maneuver his way during the trial in an attempt to prove his innocence. The tramp can be described as a less intelligent man. There is absolutely no instance where the tramp clearly uses his mental faculties to maneuver his way out of a situation. The tramp is what you might call a victim of circumstance. His entire life is a series of coincidences that either harm him or serve to enrich his life. He does not have a firm grip on the course his life is taking. He is a man who just goes with the flow wherever it takes him. This is perhaps as result of the character that he is supposed to portray. The tramp must appear to have significantly low mental capabilities in order for his persona to be funny. His is the perfect victim of circumstance, a child of fate or so to speak.
Joseph k and the tramp also differ greatly in terms of their demeanor. Joseph k is the perfect example of an adult. He is composed, less impulsive and seems to have a firm grip on life. He is the perfect example of a modern day adult dealing with adult issues in a grown up manner. The clown on the other side adopts more of a child like demeanor. From his walking style to the way he deals with issues in life all reflect the actions of a child or an immature adult or rather a child trapped in the body of a fully grown adult.
Both characters however tell us that the modernist predicament is not a fair place. Bad things often happen to good people for apparently no reason at all. Despite their differences both joseph k and the tramp make very formidable protagonists.
Works Cited
Kafka, Franz. The trial. Definitive ed. New York: Knopf, 2003. Print.
London, Jack. The tramp. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wolf House Books, 2010. Print.
