The Myth of Power and the Self

Walter Sokel's collection of essays offers a profound exploration of Kafka's influence and significance in 20th-century literature. Covering a span of over three decades, it includes discussions on previously untranslated works and new essays in English. Sokel integrates Freudian and Expressionist perspectives while incorporating linguistic theory, Gnosticism, and Derrida's ideas, providing a comprehensive cultural context for Kafka's writings. This collection is essential for literary critics, historians, and scholars interested in deepening their understanding of Kafka's complex oeuvre.