The Trial is a novel written by Franz Kafka, published posthumously in 1925. It tells the story of Josef K., a man who is unexpectedly arrested and prosecuted by a mysterious authority for an unspecified crime. The narrative explores themes of guilt, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of the legal system, reflecting Kafka's critique of modern society. As Josef K. navigates the bewildering and nightmarish world of his trial, he encounters various characters that embody the oppressive nature of authority. The novel's surreal and fragmented style captures the existential dread and alienation experienced by individuals in a complex and indifferent world.