Representation of Women in 'The Trial'

Abstract

This paper investigates the marginal yet recurring presence of women in Kafka’s ‘The Trial.’ The women in the novel are not represented as autonomous individuals but mirror of Josef K.’s confidence, confusion, guilt and resignation. His dismissive and patronizing attitude with Frau Grubach is reflective of his sense of superiority, confused intimacy with Fraulein Burstner is reflective of sense of control, inability to help the washerwoman reflects his own powerlessness and finally his surrender to Leni parallels his surrender to the court. It also explores the Lacan’s concept of fragmented self, desire and gaze, Freud’s concept of repression, guilt and unconscious desire in the context of the novel. Existential Psychology of alienation and anxiety is presented through the protagonist’s encounters with the women in the novel. Kafka has carved women into psychological landscape to map the erosion of Josef K.’s autonomy.