Kafka's Dick
by Alan Bennett

Name: Kafka's Dick
Brand: Alan Bennett
SKU: 9780573016639
Rating: 3.62 (117 reviews)

Kafka's Dick Book Cover — Kafka's Dick Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

British Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers find Kafka's Dick to be an amusing and clever play that combines humor with serious themes concerning literary legacy and fame. Many appreciate Alan Bennett's unique style, which introduces surreal elements and insightful reflections. The play is seen as both entertaining and thought-provoking, with some noting its unexpected depth beyond comedy.

Cleverly written and humorousEngaging exploration of literary themesSurreal and entertainingStrong character dynamicsMay be too absurd for some

Synopsis

This hilarious and unusual play satirizes the ridiculous propensity we often have to show less interest in an artist's work than in meaningless details of his private life, such as his sex life.

It begins with Kafka near the end of his life making his famous request to his friend Max Brod that his works be burned at his death.

We then flash forward to the present, where Kafka fanatic Sydney, an insurance salesman, is laboring away at an article on Kafka for 'Small Print; The Journal of Insurance Studies'.

Who should miraculously appear but Kafka himself, followed closely by Brod and finally by Kafka's father, who wants to vindicate himself to posterity.

The penultimate scene takes place in Heaven, where Kafka observes: "I'll tell you something.

Heaven is going to be hell."

ThemesBrod, Max , 1884-1968 Kafka, Franz , 1883-1924 PR6052.E5 K3x 1987