In Franz Kafka's "The Trial," the notion of being under suspicion indicates a state of anxiety and defensiveness. People who are active and moving may feel a sense of control, as their actions distract from the judgment they face. Those who remain still may feel vulnerable, as they risk being judged silently and weighed down by their guilt and mistakes, a metaphorical balancing act that can be overwhelming.

This underscores the theme of existential dread in Kafka's work, where individuals grapple with the arbitrary nature of authority and the weight of their own conscience. The tension between action and stillness highlights the struggle against the pervasive, often unseen forces that govern their lives, leaving them feeling trapped and scrutinized.