Before the Law.

This story of the "doorkeeper and the countryman" poses some really interesting ideas in my mind. I have a lot of questions that are connected to the ideas of self, authority, freedom, and fear of the law. It seems that in this story, the "Law" was not representing a force that enforces freedom. Instead, it seemed like if the countryman could pass the initial doorkeeper he would eventually gain freedom. (A Wizard of Oz kind of deal) The "Law" itself seemed to be a very mysterious object, holding a Wizard of Oz kind of aura itself. It holds powerful ideas, and what seems to be a powerful message. One which the countryman wants to change. Something that is important to remember is that the doorkeeper never denies the countryman access from entering, he advises "If you are so drawn to it, just try to go in despite my veto. But take note: I am powerful. And I am only the least of the doorkeepers." It seems that the doorkeeper is suggesting that the countryman should take action, and go in. If we can accept this, the biggest question seems to be, "Why didn't the countryman actually go in?" In my mind there are many reasons for this. The first one that came to mid was that maybe he just didn't have enough courage to do it. The countryman couldn't just sit there on his stool and wait for the doors to open. That would never happen. Another reason that I thought of is that it appears that the countryman didn't know of anyone, or know how to find anyone that had entered the doors in the past. He had no guidance, no map to help through what he thought he would have to face. The last reason that I concluded would be that the countryman's own sense of proper etiquette. The doorkeeper only holds power because of the countryman's sense of self, and his inclination to act with proper etiquette. The countryman's conception of his "self," tortures him over the idea of whether or not he will enter. Is it worth sacrificing his proper behavior to try and make a difference. He was certainly afraid of sacrifice and afraid of change. I haven't come to any conclusions in my mind about the meanings of this story, I'm just left with some questions about what is the "Law," and why is it something that seems to be naturally feared?