This is a fascinating and compelling is insight on Kafka "the man," as you write. Not a hot take, but you can really see how his desire for that "escapism" led to that pervasive theme of being "trapped" in so much of his work.
Absolutely, and thanks for your comment! Indeed, this tension between claustrophobia and the desire to fly away (not really a tension since these are two manifestations of the same core yearning) is pervasive in Kafka’s work.
Great read, it’s been refreshing to look through a lens that shows Kafka as just a man, as you put it. Stripping him from the “legendary author” mask allows us to do away with reputation and prestige for a moment and see him for the rather human, flawed version, a version we all are to some degree.
Agreed! I believe Max Brod was the first to picture Kafka as a literary saint. But the historical facts seem to say otherwise, and I think it’s good. Makes him more relatable in a sense.
This is a fascinating and compelling is insight on Kafka "the man," as you write. Not a hot take, but you can really see how his desire for that "escapism" led to that pervasive theme of being "trapped" in so much of his work.
Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely, and thanks for your comment! Indeed, this tension between claustrophobia and the desire to fly away (not really a tension since these are two manifestations of the same core yearning) is pervasive in Kafka’s work.
I enjoyed this! And thanks for the shoutout! Much appreciated.
My pleasure, and thanks for taking the time!
Great read, it’s been refreshing to look through a lens that shows Kafka as just a man, as you put it. Stripping him from the “legendary author” mask allows us to do away with reputation and prestige for a moment and see him for the rather human, flawed version, a version we all are to some degree.
Agreed! I believe Max Brod was the first to picture Kafka as a literary saint. But the historical facts seem to say otherwise, and I think it’s good. Makes him more relatable in a sense.
Definitely 👌🏼