The Trial, Franz Kafka

Born in 1883 in Prague, Franz Kafka was part of a German-speaking Jewish family, a background that inherently placed him at the crossroads of cultures. His daily work as an insurance officer exposed him to the labyrinthine world of bureaucracy, a theme he vividly depicted in his works. Kafka's own personal life, filled with family struggles and a constant negotiation with authority, gave depth to his narratives.

Prague, the capital of Bohemia and a pivotal part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was a vibrant melting pot of cultures during Kafka's time. The city experienced constant tension between its German-speaking minority, to which Kafka belonged, and the Czech-speaking majority. This gave Kafka a unique perspective; he was often caught in a cultural tug-of-war, negotiating between his Jewish heritage, German education, and the prevailing Czech ethos.

The early 20th century was a period of immense change in Europe. With events like World War I and the emergence of sprawling bureaucracies, the continent grappled with rapid urbanisation and profound societal shifts. Literature and art of this period began to delve into existentialism and absurdism, reflecting the tumultuous spirit of the times and the quest for meaning in an increasingly complex world.

In The Trial, Kafka delves deep into the psyche of an individual confronting an impersonal and mystifying system. The novel resonates with themes of alienation, the omnipresence of unexplained guilt, and the daunting quest for purpose. Through its pages, Kafka paints a haunting portrait of modern society and the often futile search for justice and understanding within its convoluted structures.

Ask your classmates:

What is Kafkaesque? 

Describe a situation or event from your life that felt Kafkaesque.

Remember, "Kafkaesque" often refers to situations that are surreal, bizarre, or characterised by overwhelming or pointless bureaucracy.

• Lost in Translation:

  • Foreign tourist visits Tokyo for the first time.

  • Tries to ask for directions using a translation app.

  • The app mistranslates, leading him to a government building.

  • Officials, assuming he has an appointment, lead him through countless hallways.

  • Ends up in a waiting room, given a number. No one speaks English.

  • Hours later, realized it was a mistake and he's in the wrong place.

• Endless Forms:

  • Person wants to open a small café in Kyoto.

  • Is given a form to fill out. Upon completion, is handed another form.

  • Each form leads to another, never seeming to end.

  • Gets referred to different offices in different parts of the city.

  • Months later, discovers the initial form was unnecessary.

• Vending Machine Maze:

  • Person buys a drink from a vending machine in Osaka.

  • Machine prints out a ticket instead of dispensing a drink.

  • Ticket points to another vending machine several streets away.

  • Each machine gives a ticket pointing to another.

  • Eventually leads back to the first machine, which finally dispenses the drink.

• Train Loop:

  • Commuter in Japan misreads the train schedule.

  • Ends up on a train that only goes in circles around a remote suburb.

  • Every time she asks for help, is told to simply stay on the train.

  • Hours later, realizes that the train has multiple identical carriages and she needs to switch carriages to exit the loop.