Elements of Surrealism in Franz Kafka’s “A Country Doctor”
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Abstract
This research article focuses on elements of surrealism in Franz Kafka’s “A Country Doctor.” Franz Kafka is regarded as one of the most prominent figures of the twentieth century. He wrote many great novels and short stories, some of which were published after his death by his friend Max Brod. Kafka’s stories and novels require many levels of interpretation. Some belong to the tradition of existentialism, totalitarianism and surrealism. “A Country Doctor,” one of his most famous short stories, represents the work in the tradition of surrealism, a significant and avant-garde movement in the twentieth century led by André Breton. The story exemplifies two major characteristics of Surrealism which are its dreamlike quality and absurdity. This research article explores Kafka’s use of these two elements to reveal the protagonist’s hidden messages and the absurd situations he is caught in.
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