The World of Franz Kafka

by J.P. Stern (Editor)

Hardcover

Genres: Nonfiction

263 pages, Hardcover

First published January 22, 1981

Reviews

[Kostina Prifti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book for a few reasons. Initially because it involves an almost scientifically accurate analysis, on the literary point of view, of Kafka's work. Secondly, in the context of the aforementioned analysis, the contributing authors provide a detailed and precise description of the social and economical factors surrounding Prague in the beginning of 1900s. Thus, on a non-puristic point of view, not only was it interesting to get involved in an historical view of Prague - the cradle of many interesting writers along with Kafka, such as Brod, Rikle etc. - but this historical panorama is crucial to understanding Kafka's work. Lastly, I have deeply enjoyed the psychological approach both to Kafka as an individual (aligned with what is previously stated, in a non-puristic manner, to understand the literary work one must understand the psychological state of the writer) and to Kafka's work itself. It is evident that Kafka was influenced by Freud's "Interpretation of dreams" when he wrote stories like "The metamorphosis" or "A starving artist", so the psychological analysis was necessary not only for Kafka but for the characters in his work as well.

On an unrelated note, I have realized, by reading this book, the grave error in Kafka's approach in living and dealing with his anxiety. Considering literature as the only antidote against a life lived in fear and anxiety (the German word "Angst" provides a better inclusion of both terms), Kafka, consciously or subconsciously, decided to sacrifice any human relation of any kind which, according to him, could potentially jeopardize his writing, protecting, thus, his antidote as much as he could - but however failing to realize that literature and writing may not be the only antidote for such existential issues, and human relations may prove to be just as effective, or more. By choice or negligence, Kafka failed to abide this possibility. He defended his working capacity against any threat. Although this made him ultimately lead a desperate life in fear, it may just as well be the reason why his work is extraterrestrial - because he never allowed any terrestrial to interfere.

As a negative remark, I think that the book included more contributing authors than necessary, and in some parts a careful reader could get annoyed by the repetition of the same concepts and knowledge by different contributing authors.

Lastly, I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who enjoys reading Kafka.