The Missing Person, The Trial and The Castle are known throughout the world as great works of modern fiction, admired for the originality of their technique, subtlety of language and multiple suggestiveness. The present study takes power in its social, psychological and moral complexity and follows this thematic thread through the labyrinth of imagery and motif in each novel. The detailed analyses of the novel are preceded by an account of Kafka's life and a survey of critical approaches to his work.