Power and Oppression in Kafka’s The Penal Colony
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69760/aghel.02500105Keywords:
In the Penal Colony, Franz Kafka, Authority and oppression, Dehumanization and resistanceAbstract
Franz Kafka’s In the Penal Colony offers a profound critique of authoritarianism, justice, and the dehumanizing effects of power. Through the isolated setting of the penal colony and the symbolic execution machine, Kafka examines the dynamics of authority, submission, and complicity. The Officer, the Explorer, and the Condemned Man serve as archetypes reflecting the moral and psychological dimensions of oppression. The machine, both a tool of discipline and a metaphor for systemic violence, illustrates the fragility of authoritarian regimes, culminating in its dramatic collapse. This article explores Kafka’s themes of power, bureaucracy, and resistance, situating his work within broader discussions of governance, ethics, and human rights. By engaging with Kafka’s incisive critique, readers gain insight into the complexities of power and the enduring relevance of his work in confronting modern systems of oppression.
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