The Doorkeeper's Fate

The character destiny of the doorkeeper in the parable, whose role is to guard a door meant for one man, illustrating the paradox of the law.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Doorkeeper's Duty

The Guardian The Doorkeeper's Role The doorkeeper stands before the law, preventing the man from entering. He is powerful but lowly, and he performs his duty with apparent faithfulness. His Limitations The doorkeeper is simple-minded and conceited. He accepts bribes but claims they are only to prevent the man from feeling he has omitted something. He is bound to his post. The Closing of the Door At the end, the doorkeeper says he will close the door, but the law is always open. His fate is to be a servant of the law, perhaps deceived himself. The parable leaves his ultimate fate ambiguous.

Throughout the parable