Franz Kafka and Modernism

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer looks at how Franz Kafka is one of the most enigmatic and interesting figures in literature. The writer notes that Kafka's work has left an enduing impression on world literature as well as on popular culture. The writer discusses and explains the term "Kafkaesque", which has entered into ordinary vocabulary and conversation. The writer concludes that the works of Franz Kafka are representative of the central ethos and tents of the Modernist movement in literature. Further, the writer points out that Kafka's central themes, which emanate from a critique of his contemporary world, are the dislocation of identity and meaning and modern despair and confusion.

Outline:
Introduction
Modernism
Kafka, Alienation and Modernism

From the Paper:

"From the point of view of world literature, the works of Franz Kafka have created a specific genre or literary niche. Much of the value of his writing lies however in the fact that it forms part of a general trend of literature in the 20th century. This is the Modernist movement in thought and art. Many critics are of the opinion that Kafka is closely aligned to the central movements in thought and literature during that period associated with Modernism; such as existentialism. In essence, the writings of Franz Kafka have become an integral part of the body of work written in the first half of the Twentieth Century that has become known as Modernism."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Existentialism. 10 March 2007. http://www.answers.com/topic/existentialism
• Existentialism and Franz Kafka. 10 March 2007. http://www.dividingline.com/private/Philosophy/Philosophers/Kafka/kafka.shtml
• Franz Kafka. 10 March 2007. http://www.answers.com/topic/franz-kafka
• Franz Kafka and his Metamorphosis. 10 March 2007. http://wotan.liu.edu/~sanderson/kafka/page2.html
• Franz Kafka as Modernist. 10 March 2007. http://jeremychapman.info/cms/franz-kafka-modernist

More papers on Franz Kafka and Modernism:

• Book Review # 147091 : "Kafka and the La Belle Epoque"
• Analytical Essay # 116450 : "Kafka's "The Trial"
• Analytical Essay # 138955 : "Alienation and Xenophobia in "The Metamorphosis"

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