Der Heizer is a short story that serves as the introduction to the unfinished novel The Man Who Disappeared (Amerika). The protagonist, Karl Rossmann, arrives in New York and befriends a stoker on the ship, trying to help him with the conflict he has with his superior. As a stranger in a foreign land, Karl experiences social hierarchies and power dynamics, feeling increasingly isolated. The story depicts the oppressive structures of society and the individual's helplessness. The encounter with the stoker hints at the complex journey Karl will face later. Through this, Kafka portrays the anxiety and absurdity of modern society.
