Kafka's Works The Castle (Volume 1)

Author: Franz Kafka
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-11-01
Features: The most characteristic and important long in Kafka's : Surveyor K is assigned to a castle but is obstructed at the castle gates, leading to a protracted and cumbersome struggle between the protagonist K and the castle authorities over whether to enter the castle. The castle is situated on a small hill right before his eyes, yet it remains out of reach. It is so cold, stern, and majestic, like a giant beast overlooking K. It represents a vast bureaucratic institution with rigid hierarchies, countless departments, and endless officials, yet countless documents lie buried in dust, ignored for years without ever being processed. As for this formidable castle, K feels helpless, and by the end, he never enters the castle nor meets its rulers. The novel is shrouded in a mysterious, nightmarish atmosphere from beginning to end; it is profound and leaves a lasting impression.