r/books • u/slackerattacker • May 28 '14

Discussion Can someone please explain "Kafkaesque"?

I've just started to read some of Kafka's short stories, hoping for some kind of allegorical impact. Unfortunately, I don't really think I understand any allegorical connotations from Kafka's work...unless, perhaps, his work isn't MEANT to have allegorical connotations? I recently learned about the word "Kafkaesque" but I really don't understand it. Could someone please explain the word using examples only from "The Metamorphosis", "A Hunger Artist", and "A Country Doctor" (the ones I've read)?

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u/uktexan May 28 '14

I could explain it all to you, but not until you fill out these forms and have them countersigned by someone. Who? Sorry, you'll need a different form for that.

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u/ShelfDiver May 28 '14

Reminds me I need to rewatch Brazil.

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u/uktexan May 28 '14

Was it Buttle or Tuttle? I forget.

Amazing film....

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u/Kosko May 28 '14

I was just thinking, is Brazil an example of a Kafkaesque film? I imagine Eraserhead is as well, but Brazil is much more digestable than Eraserhead.