Kafkaesque

When I first think of Kafka, I think of a giant bug. But under this initial thought lies many of the ideas that makes Kafka himself. I believe something that is Kafkaesque must be as absurd and ironic. In this blog post I will try and argue my post and make reference to both the novel “Metamorphosis” and the movie “Kafka.”
Firstly, something that is Kafkaesque must be absurd. But not so explicitly, rather a kind of subtle absurdity that only those who are keen enough will spot. For example, in the novel, the more flagrant absurdity is that of Gregor turning into a giant bug. However, what is really absurd about the situation is his family’s blatant neglect for him. Their attitude is what is absurd about the book. Moreover, in the film, at first a giant conspiracy against the acting government which kills all those who go against it may seem like a very absurd series of events, the real absurdity is the protagonist’s nonchalance towards the whole thing. The fact that the protagonist of the film can go back to work the day after witnessing something as profane as the government doing experiments on human and act like nothing has happened mirrors Kafka’s writing. The most absurd thing one can do is pretend like something didn’t happen. One would think it is hard to ignore the giant bug in the room, but something that is Kafkaesque says no!
Secondly, something that is Kafkaesque is very ironic. The best example I can think of this comes from the film “Kafka.” Near the very end, Kafka begins to reconcile his differences with his father via a note; however, while writing this, he coughs up blood, a sign of tuberculosis. It seems very Kafkaesque that as soon as the protagonist changes or accepts a certain thing, he dies. It is a very upsetting type of irony. The same applies in the novel “Metamorphosis.” After showing very human emotions by coming out to appreciate his sister’s music, Gregor is expelled into his room by his family who now realize that his death is necessary. That night, he dies. The ironic thing about that is that as soon as bug-like Gregor gets in touch with his human emotions does he die. However, a classmate of mine, Nina, had a different opinion on this. “While at first it may seem ironic that once the characters become enlightened they die, their death is not ironic; it is a signifies their release. In The Metamorphosis, Gregor dies only after realizing that it is the best thing he can do for his family. He lived to serve his family, and now he becomes conscious of the fact that he must die for them, and finally, after realizing this, he attains peace…” (3nina.wordpress.com). While I do not know if I agree with this, it does make sense. I believe that throughout the novel, Gregor begins to become more human and thus less a slave of his family. However, if one believes that even when in bug form Gregor wants what is best for his family, Nina’s argument makes tremendous sense. Gregor’s death is the best thing he can do for his family and he would view it as a pretty good way to pass. Yet, I do not see this element in the film Kafka. In the movie, Kafka was pretty clear about what he felt about his father, and I did not see some underlying nuance love that could only come out after his death. Rather, I find the irony to be more of a personal struggle in which one will always lose.
Something that is Kafkaesque is something that is very gloomy and depressing. I believe that the most abundant place that Kafkaesque things take place in is in the brain of the protagonist. It is generally his view on the world and events happening that make it so dreary. To a certain extent, one begins to feel bad for the protagonist as something about his making makes him oblivious to a very apparent absurdity. This Kafkaesque person has some sort of defect that makes it impossible for him or her to improve their situation, however, as the reader, the ease that we would fix the situation makes us feel for the protagonist. It is difficult because the ease that we would deal with the situation shows how deadly the person’s defect is. Something that is Kafkaesque is very ironic and absurd, but not in an explicit way. Rather, the irony comes from both the supporting characters or from the actions of the protagonist. See you!