"Kafkaesque" refers to situations that are surreal, illogical, or nightmarish, often characterized by a sense of helplessness and absurdity. The term derives from the works of Franz Kafka, a 20th-century writer known for his exploration of themes like alienation, bureaucracy, and existential dread. In a Kafkaesque scenario, individuals may find themselves trapped in complex systems that seem to defy reason. These experiences often involve oppressive environments where characters face arbitrary rules and incomprehensible authority. The term captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by circumstances beyond one's control, reflecting the anxieties of modern life and the struggle for meaning in a chaotic world.