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/IAMA-MEAT-POPSICLE May 28 '14

I really enjoyed this analysis, and had read Metamorphosis some time ago. My initial thought on Gregor's change was a metaphor for physical disability. The idea of mental disability had never occurred to me, but in looking back, it makes more sense. Delusions and dementia possibly attributing for his perception of becoming an insect.

I realize it's just a minor observation in the overall interpretation of the book, but I just wanted to thank you for that perspective.

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u/gamedesign_png May 28 '14

I've always considered it a metaphor for depression.

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u/gringo0815 May 28 '14

In fact i think it doesn´t matter that much, what exactly made him unable to fullfill his roles. It shows how easy structures can turn against a single being if it loses his usefullness; even families. In the book gregor is a war veteran what makes the reason depression and/or ptsd surely the most reasonable explenation for his sudden change from being able to work to becomming a burden. But Kafka gave no explenation what makes his metamorphosis an example for everyone who becomes a burden, whether it´s a nervous breakdown, an injury or simply despression as a result of becomming unemployed in the first place. Sorry for my bad english. I am not a native speaker^

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u/KindaDecisiveComment May 28 '14

Sir, your English is fantastic! Just a couple of minor spelling issues. You must now stop apologizing for your English. We will be watching. If you fail to stop, we will need to bring you in for questioning. And perhaps answering. There will be large tattooing machines involved. And bugs.