[keiferski]

Most of his short stories are not about bureaucracy at all, but are rather best described as mystical parables. Somewhat like Borges if Borges were less analytical and more I Ching-esque. The bureaucratic reputation comes more from The Castle and The Trial, I think.

[monkeyfun]

A personal favorite example of such a mystical parable type work of his that comes to mind for anyone curious is "A Hunger Artist".

[keiferski]

Yep that’s a good one. My personal favorite is The Great Wall of China, especially the parable within it, A Message from the Emperor.

https://www.plus.ac.at/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kafka_AMes...