One of the most important themes in the story is the effects of power and control. Franz Kafka explores the negative effects of institutionalized violence and presents a stark distinction between the social status and authority among the characters. The hierarchical structure puts the condemned man at the bottom, where he becomes the victim of abuses of power. He is shackled with heavy chains around his hands, legs, and neck, and the system has such control over him that even if he is set loose, only a “whistle” will be needed to call him back. He has no free will or choice but to accept his fate that is carelessly decided by the men in power—he is condemned for falling asleep at his absurd post, but just as quickly, the officer spares his life.

One abuses power in whatever capacity he can. In a sequence that illustrates the power hierarchy, the officer “scoop[s] up a clod of earth from the wall” and throws it at the soldier, upon which the soldier “jerk[s] violently upon the chains,” making the prisoner fall (83). The traveler also threatens to strike the soldier and the prisoner with a “massive rope” when they try to flee with him (106).