Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was a German-speaking Jewish writer from Prague, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century literature. His works often explore themes of alienation, existential anxiety, and the absurdity of modern life. Kafka's writing is known for its surreal, nightmarish quality, blending the real and the irrational. His most famous works include The Metamorphosis (1915), in which a man wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect, and The Trial (1914-1915), which follows a man caught in an illogical and oppressive legal system. Kafka's works have had a lasting impact on literature and culture, with the term "Kafkaesque" used to describe situations that are bizarre, disorienting, and illogical. Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, Kafka is now considered a literary giant.
