"Atlas was permitted the opinion that he was at liberty, if he wished, to drop the Earth and creep away; but this opinion was all that he was permitted"

In this quote, Kafka is utilizing the character of Atlas, a figure from Greek folklore who was condemned to hold up the paradises on his shoulders, to highlight the concept of being caught in a situation without any escape. Atlas is allowed to have the thought that he could just release the Earth and walk away, but this idea is the only liberty he is granted. He is still bound by his task to hold up the Earth, and this thought is merely a fleeting minute of reprieve from his problem. This quote highlights the theme of powerlessness and the constraints of one's own thoughts and desires.