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The Trial by Franz Kafka
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Mod
So, I started reading the novel yesterday, and I find the author's writing very peculiar and weir, still very legible though.
On the other hand there are some hints(?) in his writing that don't make it any clearer to what is he talking about. He speaks of free men as if not all men are free, but we don't see how any men are free.
For example:
[after he's been let to go to work after his "arrest"] "K. had called each of them (his three colleagues) separately or all together, into his office that day for no other reason than to observe them; he was always satisfied and had always been able to let them go again"
WHAT? Did he call them together OR separately? And if he doesn't let them go what the hell is he going to do?
Weird book indeed. About 40% through, and I just can't connect with the writing. Maybe it's because it was written in 1914, but I can't picture any of the scenes. My imagination can't even construct what the courtroom looks like - is it in somebody's apartment? The court offices are in an attic? How does that work? Even K's apartment with all the tenants I can't picture. This is the first book in a long time where I've experienced this. Anyone else?
Mod
Thank you for commenting, for a moment I thought I'm the only person reading it.
Which edition are you reading? I'm reading the Gutenberg one which is translated by: David Wyllie.
I find it very easy to immerse myself into the surroundings, my problem is with the unsympathetic K. I find him lazy and whinny. The book is narrated by his perspective of the world and I find that he has a very narrow view, has the tendency to exaggerate and occasionally lies. I'm not sure if I can trust him, thus I am not sure if what I read is K's explanation of the world or the authors.
Because I find him a bit unpleasant I am wondering if I am suppose to judge him in my mind and I almost want to convict him. So far not much is known about the trial and he seems to act very self destructively.
Great: I am to go to work and it started raining.No, it's mini-hail! :(
Mod
It might be a bad translation. Not all translations are created equal ;)
Mod
It might be a bad translation. Not all translations a..."
Yes, I've realized that the book was actually translated a bit after I posted that message. Currently I'm doubting every sentence and I'm wondering if I should pick up another copy to continue with.
That is why most of the sci-fi books that I have rated with 1 or 2 stars (that includes the classical dystopians like 1984) I feel like I need to re-read in English.
My edition is a Dover Thrift edition paperback edited by the same guy as Ellie - David Wyllie. I don't think it's the translation, I think it's the age of the book written 100 years ago. The language was just different back then. I found the same thing with other "classics", which really detracts from the reading experience in my opinion.
Mod
Oh no! Don't be a chronological snob lol!
I've finished the book (after years attempt to finished it). It's choppy. Seems jumping around anywhere.And I agree with Blake, the problem lies with the language used by the author. I think I've read somewhere that Kafka's another book, Metamorphosis is difficult to translated.
Ahh...I've seen I've almost missed the discussion on this! And I asked for the book. I apologize Ellie! Somehow I didn't get an email about it. Comments coming shortly!
Blake wrote: "Weird book indeed. About 40% through, and I just can't connect with the writing. Maybe it's because it was written in 1914, but I can't picture any of the scenes. My imagination can't even construc..."Hi Blake, I understand you're confusion. I myself had a hard time with this book as well. You said, "My imagination can't even construct what the courtroom looks like - is it in somebody's apartment?" Personally, I think Kafka did this on purpose. The confusion is part of the whole arc of the story, which to me, is about the absurd nature of government, court systems, etc. K is hopelessly trapped.
The book to me was a hard read, but did have a point to it. The book is really mocking the dual nature of government logic if I remember correctly. Like the oxymoron military intelligence, the book attempts to do that by accusing K arbitrarily. It's supposed to be dark comedy, perhaps meant more for the humor of an earlier generation.
Ellie, you said, "my problem is with the unsympathetic K. I find him lazy and whinny. The book is narrated by his perspective of the world and I find that he has a very narrow view, has the tendency to exaggerate and occasionally lies. I'm not sure if I can trust him, thus I am not sure if what I read is K's explanation of the world or the authors."I didn't detect that there was any information of why K was accused. Didn't anyone get that? The point is that he is accused, doesn't know why, and can't get to the bottom of it. In the end, it doesn't matter. His fate is determined. No matter how hard he struggles to get free, he finds himself in the maze of the system.
I agree with you that K is "lazy and whinny" and possibly an unreliable narrator. Perhaps that is a bit distracting to the overall arc? What do you think?
When I read this, I was hoping it would be funnier than it was. I was hoping for a "Confederacy of Dunces." The book hit me with minimal impact. I've heard "Metamorphosis" is better. One reason I think this book has survived, however, is because the plot is the "jail of the system", the fact you can be accused and guilt or innocence has nothing to do with it.
Mod
The flogging scene was really weird, especially because it was happening everyday. Does any of you think K. was being tested how he would react?
Roderick I find the romantic scenes in the book very funny. He is promiscuous yet the author has described it within limits: They were together for 2 minutes in the same room without talking and this is the result: (view spoiler)
Again sorry for that. I just didn't see the discussion until now...Yes, you're right, Ellie. Those scenes were funny. (view spoiler)
Mod
No need to apologize. You are not obliged to comment :)
K. seems to be after all the women!
True. Perhaps that's what he's really being accused of :-)
Mod
I was beginning to suspect something. Will it ever become clear what are the charges?
Finally finished the book. Good riddance!Overall, I liked the concept and the social commentary, but obviously was not in love with the execution. I almost wish it was more absurdist. Many of the elements had nothing to do with plot or character so I could have done without them. Either that or I'm just not getting what Kafka wanted them to mean. I'll blame the translation or the unfinished chapters...
The few highlights I liked were the different forms of acquittal, Block groveling to the lawyer and the parable in the cathedral.
:-) I found it tough too, Blake. I remember wanting to try to pull my hair out after each page. In the end though, I was glad I read it (I did like the idea of hopelessness of being accused when guilt is a foregone conclusion)...I was hoping for Metamorphosis, which is supposed to be better, but perhaps that's enough Kafka, don't you agree?
Mod
I'd drop it Ellie...Sorry to have led you down this path...I take full blame...I don't think it will get better for you. It is a hard read. I'm glad I did it, but it was like a marathon. You're proud when you finish, but it is painful getting there :-) I should have made it more clear to go for Metamorphosis....It's shorter, and I've been told more assessable.But enough Kafka for now...
Mod
No, please don't blame yourself. I wanted to read Kafka for a long time. We might go for the other book, some time.
Anyway this a discussion topic, for the group read.