The Trial by Franz Kafka Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Trial
Book Review: "without having done anything wrong, he was arrested one fine morning'
Summary: 5 Stars
If Kafka is the greatest revealer of anxiety and guilt that Literature has ever known it is best exemplified in this novel. For the K. who is arrested one fine morning and about whom lies must have been told is the human being guilty and condemned, thrust into a universe of absurd judgment without having committed any crime commensurate to what he feels inside about himself.
The meanings of this text multiply as we think about them. They demand our rereading and reinterpretation without ever fully understanding them.
We are all guilty of original sin though none of us has committed any crime. And the way we live out our lives is the sentence and punishment for what we are not certain that we have not done.
Book Review: 'The Trial' a masterful piece of literature.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Trial is not just a book. It's a prophecy, not only of Hitler and the cruel SS in Germany, but also of an absurd legal system that some argue still exist today. As with most of Kafka's work, almost everything is revealed in the first sentence. Joseph K. gets arrested, but he doesn't know why. When the book closes, we still don't know why. Yes, Kafka never finished the The Trial, but I don't think it would made much difference. The Trial was never supposed to be finished. In actual fact, The Trial is not about the trial, but of the workings of Joseph K., a seemingly innocent clerk. Preparing his defence, K. meets one absurd character to another, and it's through these conversations that you'll come to love the great Kafka. He's funny, he's depressing, he's lonely, he's lustful, and, he's a dog. He's just like a dog (read the last sentence. Thanks to Max Brod, Kafka's only true friend, we have the privilege to see a great artist at work. The Trial is a work of genius. Enjoy.Book Review: A Bewildering Process Wrapped in a Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Kafka's The Trial is a testament to those like Joseph K. who are ensnared in endless legal proceedings. Part dream, part comedy, part tragedy, part satire, Kafka works a masterpiece out of the tribulations of a common man. Joseph K. is on trial but is never informed of the charges. He is represented by an attorney, but the lawyer seems useless. He attends proceedings that go on endlessly with no apparent purpose. A host of unforgettable characters throughout the book add to his paranoia. Joseph K. finally meets his end in an execution appalling in its polite savagery. Through works like The Trial, Kafka's name became synonymous for those drifting though bizarre persecutions. A fascinating book.Book Review: A Great Existentialist Piece of Work
Summary: 4 Stars
Franz Kafka's chilling tail of the overwhelming abusive powers of the government. Kafka was a genious who was trying to predict what would soon happen in Germany. This existentialist tale is frightening because it is the type of treatment that often occurs in our society. The most absurd treatment comes when Joseph K. (We don't even know his last name) is accused of a crime he did not commit. He is later killed for this crime without ever gracing the courtroom with his presence. I would reccomend this book to anyone who wishes to form an opinion on the oppresive nature of government over society.Book Review: A Puzzling Affair
Summary: 5 Stars
Franz Kafka's The Trial is a complex tale that is propelled by its use of symbolism.The plot is exceedingly simple but understanding the plot and uderstanding The Trial are two completely different things. Joseph K, a banker is arrested at his house one morning. He is told that he that he is allowed to continue with his daily life and will not be detained. K is not told what crime he has been accused of.
As the novel unfolds we are drawn into K's world. At first he is an arrogant man who believes that he is innocent of everything. As time progresses he begins to panic and becomes guilt stricken.
There are many symbols in The Trial which may baffle or confuse the reader. I can say that I did not fully understand them as they could really mean anything. Some puzzling symbols include: The Apple in K's apartment, the whipper in his buliding, the gatekeeper at the end.
If you do not understand The Trial you can still find it excellent. There are so many different possible interpretations that just thinking about them is enjoyable.
A good read.