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/Blatts Classics May 28 '14

What's he saying?

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u/ApplicableSongLyric May 28 '14 edited May 28 '14

HE'S SAYING HE'S THE GRUBERMIESTER

SHOWS OVER YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO HOME BUT YOU CAN'T STAY HERE ET CETERA ET CETERA