The Complete Novels: Franz Kafka

Both Joseph K inThe Trialand K inThe Castleare victims of anonymous governing forces beyond their control. Both are atomized estranged and rootless citizens deceived by authoritarian power. Whereas Joseph K is relentlessly hunted down for a crime that remains nameless K ceaselessly attempts to enter the castle and so belong somewhere. Both novels may be read as powerful allegories of totalitarian government. InAmerica Karl Rossman experiences Oedipal and cultural isolation and finds that ôAmericaö is never quite as real as it seems.