In Franz Kafka's "The Trial," the protagonist experiences an oppressive sense of authority that leaves him bewildered and powerless. The quote "Don't look at him!" reflects the urgency and desperation of the characters, revealing how they navigate a strange and tyrannical system. The act of addressing "free men" underlines the absurdity of the situation, as the protagonist is caught in a web of rules that strips away any semblance of autonomy.

The quote encapsulates the broader themes of alienation and the struggle against an impersonal authority. Kafka masterfully portrays a world where individuals are rendered helpless, compelled to obey arbitrary commands. This moment highlights the protagonist's internal conflict and the pervasive atmosphere of fear and paranoia that defines his experience throughout the novel.