Lu Xun challenges social conformity in Diary of a Madman by presenting the practice of consuming human flesh as acceptable and “normal” behavior. Xun cleverly uses this disturbing and ironic presentation to symbolize the oppressive Confucian society in China and his desire to break away from tradition. Similar ideas emerge in Kafka’s The Judgement, as Georg Bendemann is pressured into choosing between societal demands and desires considered unacceptable in the eyes of society.  Through the use of complex, subjective characters, both artists seek to challenge their rigid social system and break away from societal expectations.

The Madman’s refusal to conform to society identifies him as the enemy to the general public. According to the people, he is a “madman” (or insane). Although he may be literally insane (from illness), readers of this text are able to notice that the man who opposes cannibalism is actually sane while the others continue to live ignorantly. Xun uses the disturbing practice of cannibalism to compare to the “man eating” world in China. His desire for progression and reform in the Chinese political system is evident when the Madman speaks about this disturbing tradition, “Just because it’s always been that way, does that make it right?” (p.249).

Georg receives similar oppression as he is forced to choose between his Writing Self and Working Self. The Writing Self (the Friend) has no place in society. Not only is the friend unnamed, he is obscurely described (bachelor for good). Kafka’s Working Self however, fits into the standards of society. Georg was engaged and working in a successful business. The Friend threatens to disrupt this calm and structured peacefulness. In the end however, Georg chooses to devote his life to “drudging uselessly” and chooses The Writing Self as he decides to jump into the river.

Both Xun and Kafka effectively utilize art as a means to disturb societal norms and ultimately address their concerns with traditional concepts. These artists emphasize the judgement and perception of society in order to force readers to question previously accepted tradition (such as the political system in China and the general expectations of society).