New Books in Literary Studies On Franz Kafka's "The Trial"
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Oct 27, 2022 Delve into Franz Kafka's unsettling 'The Trial' where the crime is hidden. Professor Mark Anderson explores Kafka's legacy and the term 'Kafkaesque'. Learn about Kafka's life, struggles, and his timeless insights on power and powerlessness. Unravel the enigma of 'The Trial' and its impact on readers post-World War II. Explore Kafka's influence on media adaptations reflecting themes of power and isolation.
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Kafka's Post-War Popularity
- Kafka became a literary phenomenon after World War II.
- A memoir titled "Kafka Was All the Rage" describes his popularity in 1950s Greenwich Village.
The Trial's Unrevealed Crime
- Kafka's The Trial is a crime novel where the crime is never revealed.
- Joseph K. is arrested but never learns his guilt, highlighting the arbitrary nature of power.
Kafka's Examination of Power
- Kafka examines power dynamics, especially bureaucratic power, from the perspective of the victim.
- Joseph K.'s lack of a full name emphasizes the anonymity of modern bureaucracy.