Franz Kafka

A literary visionary whose surreal narratives redefined modern literature and explored existential alienation.

Franz Kafka (1883–1924), a German-speaking Bohemian writer, revolutionized 20th-century literature with works like 《The Metamorphosis》 (1915). His themes of absurdity, bureaucracy, and isolation resonate universally, coining the term 'Kafkaesque' to describe illogical systems. Despite publishing little during his lifetime, posthumous works like 《The Trial》 cemented his legacy.

Kafka’s unique style blends realism with nightmare logic, as seen in 《The Castle》 and 《Amerika》. His letters and diaries reveal personal struggles with identity and authority, mirroring his protagonists’ plights. Though ignored in his era, writers like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre drew inspiration from his existential themes.

Today, Kafka’s influence permeates film, philosophy, and pop culture. The Kafka Museum in Prague celebrates his enduring impact. By articulating the anxieties of modern life, Kafka made a profound difference in how we perceive art and human condition.