Franz Kafka (1883–1924) was a German-speaking Bohemian writer whose works explore existential dread, absurdity, and the crushing weight of authority. Though largely unrecognized in his lifetime, his novels and short stories—especially The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle—have had a lasting impact on literature and philosophy. His distinctive style gave rise to the term "Kafkaesque," describing bizarre, oppressive situations that reflect the anxieties of modern life.