"Power and Submission: An Analysis of Franz Kafka's 'The Vulture'

 

 Introduction:

Have you heard about Franz Kafka? A person so enigmatic , a writer who infused paradox to his writing, weaving a tapestry of artwork with the theme of realism, void , existentialism. His writing style was so out of the norm that even critics found it hard to analyze his writings. In this blog we will explore one of the works that Franz Kafka had written , named "The Vulture." ¹ 

Franz Kafka was born in July 3, 1883 Prague Austria-Hungary in a Jewish middle class family. Franz Kafka is regarded as one of the greatest literary figures in recent history. He has captivated the readers with his unique obscure, surreal writing style and left them questioning about their existence and entity by infusing many philosophical aspects into his literary artworks.. A style and quality so particular to him that anything that resembles it has come to be known and referred to as “Kafkaesque.” One of the story which revolves around the power dynamics and human mind is called “The Vulture.” This story addresses the nature of power and how it operates at different levels, controls the lives of peoples using mind as a tool.

                                                                                                      

 Summary of “The Vulture”:

The story begins with a gripping scene where a vulture is seen to be relentlessly attacking at the feet of the protagonist. The vulture overcomes the man with its sheer power by tearing his boots and stocking to shreds and then circling around the man like a hunter to its prey. A gentleman was passing by and questions the man why he was letting himself to be tortured by the vulture. The man explained he was helpless and he tried to fend it off but it was strong. The gentleman proposes to end the vulture with his gun which was at his home, the protagonist urges the man to hurry. Alas, the vulture was waiting and drowned the man in death’s embrace. In his final moment of blackness the man felt relived because the suffering was gone.

Themes and Symbolism:

The story shows us both the positive and negative aspects of power and how it operates on different levels. The vulture’s action symbolizes the ability to inflict pain and suffering, making the man a victim of its power. This power imbalance reflects on our society on how many individuals are suffering and sacrificing their lives leaving them feeling vulnerable and helpless. The protagonist’s silent struggle against the vulture can be seen as the internal struggles faced by individuals who are trapped by overwhelming forces whether it is real or symbolic. As the protagonist was helpless and he was a trapped prey; this shows us how power can change a person’s belief, faith and his attitude. The vulture’s relentless attack reflects the aggression or oppression faced by individuals who are confronted by authority figures which in turn leaves them helpless. The gentleman is a contrasting side to this oppressive behavior where he extends help which can symbolize as a helping hand from someone, or some subject or it can be interpreted as one passively endures or actively seeking challenge and change the status quo. The protagonist’s death can be seen as an ultimate result where no matter how much the struggle is the result will always be the same as inevitable consequences.

Kafkaesque Elements:

In the story we see the unfortunate protagonist where he is in suffering and fighting the vulture symbolizing power. Furthermore, there is no genuine hope of defeating it in the end. He is outmatched by the arbitrary, senseless obstacles that he face. In part, because he can’t even understand or control any of what is happening. The core essence of Kafka's style and literature appears to revolve around the encounter with the irrational. This dispute involves a character's endeavors, logic, and perception of reality being met with unavoidable bounds of meaninglessness. The Kafkaesque quality is arguably found in the characters impossible struggle to make sense of what’s happening to them and resolve their situations, wherein, success is both impossible and, in the end, ultimately pointless.

And yet, they try anyway. It's reasonable to speculate that one interpretation of these events is that they represent Kafka's view of the human condition. More precisely, the incapacity to ever truly comprehend or manage the uncontrollable urge for answers and mastery over the existential issues of worry, guilt, absurdity, and misery. The surprising and possibly most significant aspect is that Kafka's characters persist amidst bizarre and hopeless circumstances.

Conclusion:

This story serves as a reminder of the struggle for autonomy and the importance of self-awareness in a world influenced by external forces.  “The vulture” remains a timeless masterpiece where Franz Kafka unravels the intricate nature of power and submission and promptly making the readers question their choices entangled in enigmatic fate in front of the external influence. 

Reference:

1.  Kafka, F.(1920) Kafka, Franz: The Vulture (Der Geier in  English),  Babelmatrix.  https://www.babelmatrix.org/works/de/Kafka%2C_Franz-1883/Der_Geier/en/34802-The_Vulture