Rhetorical Analysis
Chelsi Fritch
ENG1213-51: English Composition II
Professor Hammett
Essay 2 Rhetorical Analysis
November 24, 2023
Word Count: 1,111
Franz Kafka is a very prevalent and well-known absurdist author from the 20th century. He is renowned for his capability to explore the complexity of human existence in his works. Kafka has managed to resonate with readers throughout many generations and backgrounds. Kafka's most notable works are The Metamorphosis and The Trial. Both of these works explore the disconcerting landscapes of the human mind in slightly nightmarish ways. Kafka's unique perspective, deep understanding of mental health, and thematic inclinations contribute to a rich exploration of how he might have perceived and interpreted this modern-day phenomenon. Let us discuss in this essay what Franz Kafka might have thought of the increasing diagnosis of narcissism in our modern-day society with his unique perspective of human conditions. Seeing as Kafka already had a deep and personal understanding of mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, it is not too far-fetched to believe that he would easily see and acknowledge narcissism as an epidemic. Perhaps through examining Kafka's work with narcissism in mind, it is possible we might be able to tell what his thoughts on the matter would be.
In his works, Kafka consistently recognizes the idea that humans are motivated by personal needs or desires, often neglecting the consequences of their actions on themselves or others. One example of this can be found In The Metamorphosis when Gregor is discovered to have shockingly transformed into an unnervingly vile vermin. Kafka's exploration of human nature in this story delves into the deep dark aspects of human behavior, particularly the inherent narcissism and selfishness that can manifest in relationships. Gregor's family progressively prioritizes their individual needs, treating him poorly instead of providing the care and attention necessary for his survival. This narcissism and selfishness can be seen when Gregor's sister, Grete Samsa, grows tired of him and begins to beg for his death; "We can't carry on like this. Maybe you can't see it, but I can. I don't want to call this monster my brother, all I can say is: we have to try and get rid of it. We've done all that's humanly possible to look after it and be patient, I don't think anyone could accuse us of doing anything wrong” (Kafka, 1916-19/1996, p.31). Grete's initial care for Gregor completely shifts to wariness and hatred. Even though numerous characters in Kafka's stories possess the agency to make choices, most find themselves unable to overcome human cravings and personal necessities to attain more favorable results. In The Metamorphosis, even as Gregor eventually succumbs to the absurdity of his transformation and meets his demise, his family is happy to be rid of him instead of mourning the loss of their family member.
Although Franz Kafka did not explicitly acknowledge straightforwardly that his stories were directly based on his own experiences, his personal correspondence and diaries, which were later published, provide insights into his life and thoughts. Kafka often discussed his struggles, anxieties, and relationships in these writings, which are believed to have influenced his literary work. Kafka wrote in a letter to his father, "Your opinion was right, any other was mad, eccentric, meshugge,* not normal. In fact, your self-confidence was so great that you did not even have to be at all consistent, and could still never be wrong. It was even possible for you to have no opinion whatsoever on a matter, and in such cases all potential opinions on that matter had to be wrong without exception" (Kafka & Stokes, 2017, p.19). Kafka's personal and revealing letter to his father is a vital key to understanding the intricate interplay between his life experiences and literary creations. The shadow of Hermann Kafka looms large over Kafka's works. Herman Kafka had the most impact on making Kafka who he was and his absurdist perspective on the world. Hermann Kafka was a robust and authoritative figure, and Kafka's writings commonly reflect a sense of alienation and conflict with paternal authority. However, besides the letter to his father, Kafka is known for being a private and introspective individual, and much of his personal life remains mysterious.
With the question of cures for narcissistic personality disorder in mind, Kafka's inclination toward psychological depth could lead him to consider therapy. Moreover, his penchant for metaphorical and symbolic representations might lead him to explore therapy as a transformative process akin to metamorphosis, a theme recurrent in his works. In Kafka's novellas, characters often seek liberation from oppressive circumstances, striving for freedom. Metamorphosis involves a radical transformation, and therapy can share a similar goal of fostering personal growth and positive change. Therapy can be viewed as an escape from the constraints of unhealthy patterns where individuals undergo profound changes—offering individuals the opportunity to break free from and transcend the confined limitations imposed by narcissistic tendencies. Therapy could be a journey of self-discovery and a confrontation with the wounded aspects of the psyche. Although Kafka would have preferred only natural therapy and medicine, "Franz Kafka felt an early aversion to orthodox medicine and inclined towards natural healing methods, undergoing natural therapy on several occasions at Zuckmantl" (HERGETOVA, 2019). Kafka's preference for natural methods suggests a belief in the instinctive healing capacities of the mind and body, which would lead to the idea of using mediation as a way to 'cure' NPD. Although meditation, as we understand it today, might have been less prevalent or widely discussed during his time.
Given Kafka's deep and personal understanding of mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, it seems plausible to imagine him recognizing narcissism as a societal phenomenon. However, with all the information considered, it does not seem very likely that Kafka would have acknowledged narcissism as an epidemic. Even if he did, he most likely would not have seen the point in trying to come up with a cure for NPD in the first place. Considering Kafka's novellas, characters often never find a solution for their circumstances. As shown by Fragments and Wounded Bodies: Kafka After Kleist, "While Wagner's Parsifal ends with the closure of the King's wound, the cut on his side, and thus with a moment of theological and aesthetic catharsis, Kafka's story remains without a solution or a cure, as a fragment." (GALILI, 2008, p.27). His thematic inclination towards unresolved narratives and the acceptance of life's absurdities might lead him to view narcissism as just another facet of the complex human condition, devoid of a straightforward remedy. Even so, Kafka's legacy endures as readers continue to find resonance in his works. While it is possible to speculate on Kafka's hypothetical views on modern phenomena like narcissism, the essence of Kafka's perspective remains enigmatic and open to interpretation.
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References
HERGETOVA, C. (2019, March 8). Physical and mental conditions and their causes. Franz Kafka. https://kafkamuseum.cz/en/franz-kafka/illnesses/physical-and-mental-conditions-and-their-causes/
Kafka, F. (1996). The metamorphosis and other stories (S. Applebaum, Trans.). Dover Publications. (Original work published 1916-19)
Kafka, F., & Stokes, H. (2017). Dearest father. Alma Classics.
SHAHAR, GALILI. (2008). Fragments and Wounded Bodies: Kafka after Kleist. The German Quarterly. 80. 449 - 467. 10.1111/j.1756-1183.2007.tb00085.x.
