Franz Kafka

No, *The Trial* was left unfinished at the time of Kafka's death in 1924. It was later edited and published posthumously in 1925 by his friend and literary executor, Max Brod.

The adjective describes situations that are disorientingly complex, nightmarish, and marked by oppressive bureaucratic absurdity. It is derived directly from the surreal and illogical scenarios depicted in his novels and short stories.

The story follows a traveling salesman named Gregor Samsa who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. The novella explores themes of alienation and the burden of modern capitalist life.

Yes, Kafka famously left a will instructing his friend Max Brod to burn all of his unpublished manuscripts upon his death. Brod ignored this request, which is why we have works like *The Trial* and *The Castle* today.