The influence of surrealism and Franz Kafka on our reality
We constantly describe our reality as surreal. Many times, however, like Kafkaesque. This year marks one hundred years since the death of Franz Kafka (1883-1924) and the publication of André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto (1924). Both Kafka’s style and surrealism were prophetic and have left a mark on our reality. Literature not only captivates reality, but also impregnates it with its magic. These two literary phenomena have left a mark on our language and our way of perceiving the world.
Kafka’s legacy: the power of bureaucracy and the inoculation of power
What does it mean for something to be Kafkaesque? If we were to summarize the questions raised by Kafka in his works, we could say that it is about the power of bureaucracy that overrides people’s individual faculties, or how power infiltrates our lives. However, these ideas are expressed through stories and arguments that are complex to decipher. Kafka created modern myths, images that have become part of our culture and that reflect our human condition.
Kafka’s complexity and unanswered questions
During his lifetime, Kafka published only a small part of what we now know. This is not surprising when compared to other authors of his time. However, we have not yet reached an ethical conclusion on how to treat his legacy. Is it legitimate to read someone’s private letters? How should an unfinished, typo-ridden manuscript be edited? These questions do not affect Kafka’s greatness as a writer, but rather amplify his status as a prophet.
The importance of Kafka’s biography and reading
Kafka’s biography has been the subject of study by great specialists. Thousands of pages have been dedicated to analyzing his life and his work. Although biographical aspects can help us understand the author and his literature, they do not resolve all the unknowns that arise when reading Kafka. How should we interpret ‘The Metamorphosis’ or ‘The Castle’? What is the relationship between his work and Jewish culture? Why is ‘The Castle’ inaccessible? These questions invite us to explore beyond the surface and immerse ourselves in Kafka’s complex and fascinating world.
Discovering Kafka today
Today, Kafka’s required readings have disappeared from educational programs. If the new generations want to discover Kafka, they will have to do it on their own. ‘The Castle’ and ‘The Letter to the Father’ are good starting points, as are his stories. It is important to read the new translations that have been published recently, since they allow us to discover a Kafka who plays with language and presents us with fun and surprising stories. Kafka is not only an author of ideas, but a great writer of plots, characters and fables. Discovering it in its essence is a fascinating and enriching experience.
*By the way, today at 7 p.m. at La Central del Raval there will be a celebration of Kafka’s centenary. During the event, Joan Ferrarons, German and Yiddish translator, and Inés García, German and Icelandic translator, will be present. Both specialists will talk about the validity of Kafka and how reading him continues to fascinate us to this day.