The Conflict Between Individual and Society in Kafka's The Castle

Abstract

Franz Kafka depicts the conflict between individual and society in The Castle. K., major character of the novel, attempts to enter the castle where he is summoned as a land surveyor but the castle authority refuses to accept him. Despite numerous blockades imposed by the authority, K. never gets fed up and he continues his efforts. Though his attempts somehow seem desperate, he has resisted the authority that represents the social force. It gives rise to the conflict between individual and society. In other words, the intricacy of power structure of the society, in order to preserve its status quo, tries to crush the individual attempts, and generates conflict. In this process, the individual challenges the prevailing power structure, what Foucault calls the resistance. As power structure is relational, and not hierarchical, K.'s attempt in the relational structure of power is neither a complete polar revolt like class struggle nor the alienation from the society.