The Battle for Truth in Franz Kafka’s Novel The Trial

Abstract

Franz Kafka’s novel The Trial is a psychological exploration of the human condition. Through the protagonist, Josef K., Kafka examines the power of the truth and its ability to both liberate and imprison us. The novel follows Josef as he is arrested for an unknown crime and embarks on a journey to discover the truth behind his arrest. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, from lawyers to court officials, who represent different aspects of his psyche, from his innermost fears to his deepest desires. Through these characters, Kafka reveals how the internal struggles can prevent us from discovering the truth. He also shows how our attempts to uncover the truth can lead to more confusion and despair. Kafka suggests that truth is an elusive concept that can never be fully grasped or understood. By exploring this theme through Josef’s journey, Kafka offers readers a powerful psychological reading of The Trial that speaks to the struggles with understanding ourselves and our world