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Arts·Commotion

How did Franz Kafka become the internet's latest boyfriend?

Culture critic Amanda Hess explores why Kafka, a century after his death, has become so popular on TikTok.

New York Times culture critic Amanda Hess explains why the novelist is resonating with young people on TikTok

CBC Arts ·
Franz Kafka is remembered as one of the defining voices of 20th century literature.
Franz Kafka is remembered as one of the defining voices of 20th century literature. (Schocken)

20th century Czech novelist Franz Kafka has, against all odds, become a new fixation with young audiences and content creators alike on TikTok.

If you haven't read The Metamorphosis or The Trial, you might have encountered his legacy recently through the resurgence of the term "Kafkaesque," which describes a situation that is absurd and oppressive — like the scenarios Kafka wrote about to explore themes of mental illness and criticize capitalism.

So why is all this resonating with people today? Critic Amanda Hess looked into it for the New York Times. She joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud today on Commotion to unpack what she learned.

WATCH | Today's episode on YouTube (this segment begins at 16:33): 

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Interview with Amanda Hess produced by Jane van Koeverden.

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