Biography and amazing work of Franz Kafka. Biography of Franz Kafka Novels and short stories

The Jewish roots of Franz Kafka did not prevent him from mastering the German language perfectly and even writing his works in it. During his lifetime, the writer published little, but after his death, Kafka's relatives published his works, despite the direct prohibition of the writer. How did Franz Kafka, the master of word formation, live and work?

Kafka: a biography

The author was born in the summer: July 3, 1883 in Prague. His family lived in a former ghetto for Jews. Father Herman had his own small business and was a wholesaler. And mother Julia was the heiress of a wealthy brewer and spoke German very well.

Kafka's two brothers and three sisters made up his entire family. The brothers died at an early age, and the sisters died in later years in concentration camps. In addition to the German language taught by his mother, Kafka knew Czech and French.

In 1901, Franz graduated from the gymnasium, then received a matriculation certificate. Five years later, he received a diploma from Charles University. So he became a doctor of law. Weber himself supervised the writing of his dissertation.

In the future, Kafka worked all his life in one insurance department. He retired early due to health problems. Kafka did not like to work in his specialty. He kept diaries where he described his hatred for his boss, colleagues and all his activities in general.

During the period of his ability to work, Kafka significantly improved working conditions in factories throughout the Czech Republic. At work, he was highly valued and respected. In 1917, doctors diagnosed Kafka with tuberculosis. After the diagnosis, he was not allowed to retire for another 5 years, as he was a valuable employee.

The writer had a difficult character. He broke up with his parents early. He lived in poverty and asceticism. He wandered a lot in removable closets. He suffered not only from tuberculosis, but also from migraines, and also suffered from insomnia and impotence. Kafka himself led a healthy lifestyle. In his youth, he went in for sports, tried to stick to a vegetarian diet, but could not recover from his ailments.

Kafka often engaged in self-flagellation. He was dissatisfied with himself and the world around him. I wrote a lot about it in my diaries. Even at school, Franz helped organize performances and promoted the literary circle. On those around him he gave the impression of a neat young man with a great sense of humor.

Franz has been friends with Max Brod since school days. This friendship continued until the writer's sudden death. Kafka's personal life did not develop. Some researchers believe that this state of affairs was rooted in his relationship with his despot father.

Franz was engaged to Felicia Bauer twice. But he never married the girl. After all, her image, which the writer came up with, did not correspond to the character of a living person.

Then Kafka had an affair with Yulia Vokhrytsek. But here, too, family life did not work out. After Franz met with married journalist Elena Yesenskaya. During that period, she helped him edit his works.

After 1923, Kafka's health deteriorated greatly. Tuberculosis of the larynx developed rapidly. The writer could not eat and breathe normally, he was exhausted. In 1924, his relatives took him to a sanatorium. But this measure did not help. So on June 3, Franz Kafka passed away. He was buried at the New Cemetery for Jews in Olshany.

The works of the writer and his work

• "Contemplation";
• "Fireman";
• "Rural doctor";
• "Hunger";
• "Kara".

Collections and novels were selected by Franz for publication in his own hand. Before his death, Kafka expressed a desire that his loved ones destroy the rest of the manuscripts and diaries. Some of his works really went to the fire, but many remained and were published after the death of the author.

The novels "America", "The Castle" and "The Trial" were never completed by the author, but the existing chapters were published anyway. Eight workbooks of the author have also been preserved. They contain sketches and sketches of works that he never wrote.

What did Kafka, who lived a difficult life, write about? Fear of the world and the judgment of the Higher Powers pervades all the works of the author. His father wanted his son to become the heir to his business, and the boy did not meet the expectations of the head of the family, so he was subject to his father's tyranny. This left a serious imprint on Franz's worldview.

Written in the style of realism, the novels convey everyday life without unnecessary embellishments. The author's style may seem dry and clerical, but the plot twists in the stories and novels are quite non-trivial.

There is much left unsaid in his work. The writer leaves the reader the right to independently interpret some situations in the works. In general, Kafka's works are filled with tragedy and oppressive atmosphere. The author wrote some of his works together with his friend Max Brod.

For example, "The first long trip by rail" or "Richard and Samuel" is a small prose of two friends who have supported each other all their lives.

Franz Kafka did not receive much recognition as a writer during his lifetime. But his works, published after his death, were appreciated. The novel The Trial received the highest critical acclaim from around the world. He also fell in love with readers. Who knows how many beautiful works burned in the fire on the orders of the author himself. But what has reached the public is considered a magnificent addition to the postmodern style in art and literature.

Today, interesting-vse.ru has prepared for you interesting facts about the life and work of the mystical writer.

Franz Kafka

In world literature, his works are recognized for their unique style. No one has ever written about and about the absurd, it is so beautiful and interesting.

B iography

Franz Kafka (German: Franz Kafka, July 3, 1883, Prague, Austria-Hungary - June 3, 1924, Klosterneuburg, First Austrian Republic) is one of the outstanding German-speaking writers of the 20th century, most of whose works were published posthumously. His works, permeated with absurdity and fear of the outside world and the highest authority, capable of awakening the corresponding disturbing feelings in the reader, are a unique phenomenon in world literature.

Kafka was born on July 3, 1883 into a Jewish family in the Josefov district, the former Jewish ghetto of Prague (now the Czech Republic, at that time part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire). His father - Herman (Genykh) Kafka (1852-1931), came from a Czech-speaking Jewish community in South Bohemia, since 1882 he was a haberdashery wholesaler. The surname "Kafka" is of Czech origin (kavka literally means "jackdaw"). Hermann Kafka's signature envelopes, which Franz often used for letters, feature this bird with a quivering tail as an emblem.

Kafka's relationship with his despotic father is an important component of his work, which was also refracted through the failure of the writer as a family man.

Kafka published four collections during his lifetime - "Contemplation", "Country Doctor", "Punishment" and "Hunger", as well as "Stoker" - the first chapter of the novel "America" ​​("Missing") and several other short works. However, his main works - the novels "America" ​​(1911-1916), "The Trial" (1914-1915) and "The Castle" (1921-1922) - remained unfinished to varying degrees and saw the light after the death of the author and against his last will. .

Data

Franz Kafka is one of the main mascots of Prague.

mascot - from fr. mascotte - "a person, animal or object that brings good luck" – Mascot character

Franz Kafka is an Austrian writer of Jewish origin who was born in Prague and wrote primarily in German.

The Franz Kafka Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Franz Kafka. It is located in Prague, in Mala Strana, to the left of the Charles Bridge.

The museum exposition includes all the first editions of Kafka's books, his correspondence, diaries, manuscripts, photographs and drawings. In the museum's bookstore, visitors can buy any of Kafka's works.

The permanent exhibition of the museum consists of two parts - "Existential Space" and "Imaginary Topography".

“Between the Spanish Synagogue and the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Old Town, there is an unusual monument - a monument to the famous Austro-Hungarian writer Franz Kafka.
A bronze sculpture designed by Jaroslav Rona appeared in Prague in 2003. The monument to Kafka is 3.75 meters high and weighs 700 kilograms. The monument depicts the writer on the shoulders of a giant suit, in which the one who should wear it is missing. The monument refers to one of Kafka's works "The Story of a Struggle". This is a story about a man who, riding on the shoulders of another person, wanders the streets of Prague.”

During his lifetime, Kafka had many chronic diseases that undermined his life - tuberculosis, migraine, insomnia, constipation, boils and others.

After receiving his doctorate in law, Kafka served all his life as an official of an insurance company, earning a living by doing this. He hated his job, but he dealt a lot with insurance cases in the industry, he was the first to invent and introduce a hard helmet for workers, for this invention, the writer received a medal.

In the courtyard in front of the house-museum of Franz Kafka, there is a fountain-monument of pissing men. The author is David Cerny?, a Czech sculptor.

Franz Kafka published only a few short stories during his lifetime. Being seriously ill, he asked his friend Max Brod to burn all his works after his death, including several unfinished novels. Brod did not comply with this request, but, on the contrary, ensured the publication of the works that brought Kafka worldwide fame.

The stories and reflections of the writer are a reflection of his own neuroses and experiences that helped him overcome his fears.

His novels "America", "The Trial" and "The Castle" remained unfinished.

Despite the fact that Kafka was the grandson of a kosher butcher, ol was a vegetarian.

Kafka had two younger brothers and three younger sisters. Both brothers, before reaching the age of two, died before Kafka was 6 years old. The sisters were named Elli, Valli and Ottla (all three died during World War II in Nazi concentration camps in Poland).

The Castle” by Franz Kafka is recognized as one of the main books of the 20th century. The plot of the novel (the search for the road leading to the Castle) is very simple and at the same time extremely complex. It attracts not because of twisted moves and intricate stories, but because of its parabolism, parable, symbolic ambiguity. The artistic world of Kafka, dreamily unsteady, captures the reader, draws him into a recognizable-unrecognizable space, awakens and ultimately enhances the sensations that were previously hidden somewhere in the depths of his hidden “I”. Each new reading of The Castle is a new drawing of the path that the reader's consciousness wanders in the labyrinth of the novel...

The “castle” is probably theology in action, but above all it is the individual path of the soul in search of grace, the path of a man who questions the objects of this world about the mystery of mysteries, and in women he looks for manifestations of the god dormant in them.
Albert Camus

“All Kafka's writings are highly parable-like, they contain a lot of teaching; but his best creations are like a crystalline firmament pierced by a picturesquely playful light, which is sometimes achieved by a very pure, often cold and precisely sustained structure of the language. The Castle is just such a work.”
Hermann Hesse

Franz Kafka (1883-1924) - interesting facts from the life of the world famous Austrian writer updated: December 14, 2017 by: website

Franz Kafka- one of the main German-speaking writers of the 20th century, most of whose works were published posthumously. His works, permeated with absurdity and fear of the outside world and the highest authority, capable of awakening the corresponding disturbing feelings in the reader, are a unique phenomenon in world literature.

Kafka was born on July 3, 1883 into a Jewish family living in the Josefov district, the former Jewish ghetto of Prague (the Czech Republic at that time was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire). His father, Herman (Genykh) Kafka, came from a Czech-speaking Jewish community in South Bohemia, since 1882 he was a haberdashery wholesaler. The writer's mother - Julia Kafka (nee Etl Levy), the daughter of a wealthy brewer - preferred the German language. Kafka himself wrote in German, although he knew Czech just as well. He also had a good command of French, and among the four people whom the writer, “not pretending to be compared with them in strength and reason,” felt “his blood brothers,” was the French writer Gustave Flaubert.

The other three are Franz Grillparzer, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Heinrich von Kleist. Although a Jew, Kafka knew almost no Yiddish and began to show interest in the traditional culture of Eastern European Jews only at the age of twenty under the influence of Jewish theater troupes touring in Prague; interest in the study of Hebrew arose only towards the end of his life.

Kafka had two younger brothers and three younger sisters. Both brothers, before reaching the age of two, died before Kafka was 6 years old. The sisters were named Elli, Valli and Ottla (all three died during World War II in Nazi concentration camps in Poland). Between 1889 and 1893 Kafka attended elementary school, and then a gymnasium, which he graduated in 1901 with a matriculation exam. After graduating from Charles University in Prague, he received a doctorate in law (Professor Alfred Weber was Kafka's dissertation supervisor), and then entered the service of an official in the insurance department, where he worked in modest positions until his premature retirement in 1922 due to illness. Work for the writer was a secondary and burdensome occupation: in diaries and letters, he confesses his hatred for his boss, colleagues and clients. Literature has always been in the foreground, "justifying its entire existence."

Asceticism, self-doubt, self-condemnation and a painful perception of the world around - all these qualities of the writer are well documented in his letters and diaries, and especially in the "Letter to the Father" - a valuable introspection in the relationship between father and son. Due to an early break with his parents, Kafka was forced to lead a very modest lifestyle and often change his home, which left an imprint on his attitude towards Prague itself and its inhabitants. Chronic diseases plagued him; in addition to tuberculosis, he suffered from migraines, insomnia, constipation, impotence, boils and other diseases. He tried to counteract all this in naturopathic ways, such as a vegetarian diet, regular exercise, and drinking large amounts of unpasteurized cow's milk. As a schoolboy, he took an active part in organizing literary and social meetings, made efforts to organize and promote theatrical performances, despite the misgivings even from his closest friends, such as Max Brod, who usually supported him in everything else, and contrary to his own fear of being perceived as repulsive both physically and mentally. Kafka made an impression on those around him with his boyish, neat, strict appearance, calm and imperturbable behavior, his intelligence and unusual sense of humor.

Kafka's relationship with his despotic father is an important component of his work, which also resulted in the failure of the writer as a family man. Between 1912 and 1917 he courted the Berlin girl Felicia Bauer, to whom he was twice engaged and twice canceled the engagement. Communicating with her mainly through letters, Kafka created her image, which did not correspond to reality at all. Indeed, they were very different people, as is clear from their correspondence. The second bride of Kafka was Yulia Vokhrytsek, but the engagement was again soon terminated. In the early 1920s he had a love relationship with a married Czech journalist, writer and translator of his works - Milena Yesenska. In 1923, Kafka moved to Berlin with nineteen-year-old Dora Dimant for a few months, hoping to distance himself from family influence and concentrate on writing; then he returned to Prague. Health at this time was deteriorating, and on June 3, 1924, Kafka died in a sanatorium near Vienna, probably from exhaustion (a sore throat prevented him from eating, and in those days intravenous therapy was not developed to feed him artificially). The body was transported to Prague, where it was buried on June 11, 1924 at the New Jewish Cemetery in the Strasnice district, in a common family grave.

During his lifetime, Kafka published only a few short stories, which made up a very small proportion of his work, and his work attracted little attention until his novels were published posthumously. Before his death, he instructed his friend and literary executor - Max Brod - to burn, without exception, everything he wrote (except, perhaps, some copies of works that the owners could keep for themselves, but not republish them). His beloved Dora Dimant did destroy the manuscripts she possessed (although not all), but Max Brod did not obey the will of the deceased and published most of his works, which soon began to attract attention. All of his published work, except for a few Czech-language letters to Milena Jesenskaya, was written in German.

The biography of Franz Kafka is not full of events that attract the attention of writers of the current generation. The great writer lived a rather monotonous and short life. At the same time, Franz was a strange and mysterious figure, and many of the secrets inherent in this master of the pen excite the minds of readers to this day. Although Kafka's books are a great literary heritage, during his lifetime the writer did not receive recognition and fame and did not know what a real triumph is.

Shortly before his death, Franz bequeathed to his best friend, the journalist Max Brod, to burn the manuscripts, but Brod, knowing that in the future every word of Kafka would be worth its weight in gold, disobeyed the last will of his friend. Thanks to Max, Franz's creations saw the light of day and had a tremendous impact on the literature of the 20th century. Kafka's works such as "Labyrinth", "America", "Angels Don't Fly", "Castle", etc., are required reading in higher education institutions.

Childhood and youth

The future writer was born on July 3, 1883, in the large economic and cultural center of the multinational Austro-Hungarian Empire - the city of Prague (now the Czech Republic). At that time, the empire was inhabited by Jews, Czechs and Germans, who, living side by side, could not coexist peacefully with each other, so a depressed mood reigned in the cities and sometimes anti-Semitic phenomena were traced. Kafka was not worried about political issues and ethnic strife, but the future writer felt thrown to the sidelines of life: social phenomena and emerging xenophobia left an imprint on his character and consciousness.

Franz's personality was also influenced by his parents' upbringing: as a child, he did not receive his father's love and felt like a burden in the house. Franz grew up and was brought up in the small quarter of Josefov in a German-speaking family of Jewish origin. The writer's father, Herman Kafka, was a middle-class businessman who retailed clothes and other haberdashery goods. The writer's mother, Julia Kafka, came from a noble family of a prosperous brewer Jacob Levi and was a highly educated young lady.

Franz also had three sisters (two younger brothers died in early childhood, before reaching the age of two). While the head of the family was disappearing in a cloth shop, and Julia was watching the girls, young Kafka was left to his own devices. Then, in order to dilute the gray canvas of life with bright colors, Franz began to invent short stories, which, however, were of no interest to anyone. The head of the family influenced the formation of literary lines and the character of the future writer. Franz felt like a plebeian compared to the two-meter-high man, who also had a bass voice. This feeling of physical inferiority haunted Kafka throughout his life.

Kafka Sr. saw the heir to the business in the offspring, but the reserved, shy boy did not meet the requirements of his father. Herman used harsh methods of education. In a letter written to his parent, which did not reach the addressee, Franz recalled how he was put out on a cold and dark balcony at night because he asked for water. This childish resentment aroused in the writer a sense of injustice:

“Years later, I still suffered from the painful idea of ​​how a huge man, my father, the highest authority, for almost no reason - at night he can come to me, pull me out of bed and carry me to the balcony - that means what a nonentity I was for him,” Kafka shared his memories.

From 1889 to 1893, the future writer studied at elementary school, then entered the gymnasium. As a student, the young man participated in university amateur performances and organized theatrical performances. After receiving his Abitur, Franz was admitted to Charles University at the Faculty of Law. In 1906, Kafka received his doctorate in law. Alfred Weber himself, a German sociologist and economist, acted as the leader of the scientific work of the writer.

Literature

Franz Kafka considered literary activity the main goal in life, although he was considered a high-ranking official in the insurance department. Due to illness, Kafka retired early. The author of The Trial was a hardworking worker and was highly regarded by his superiors, but Franz hated this position and spoke unflatteringly about his superiors and subordinates. Kafka wrote for himself and believed that literature justifies his existence and helps to escape from the harsh realities of life. Franz was in no hurry to publish his works, because he felt like a mediocrity.

All of his manuscripts were carefully collected by Max Brod, whom the writer met at a meeting of a student club dedicated to. Brod insisted that Kafka publish his stories, and as a result, the creator gave up: in 1913, the collection Contemplation was published. Critics spoke of Kafka as an innovator, but the self-critical master of the pen was dissatisfied with his own creativity, which he considered a necessary element of being. Also, during the life of Franz, readers got acquainted with only a small part of his works: many significant novels and stories of Kafka were published only after his death.

In the autumn of 1910, Kafka traveled to Paris with Brod. But after 9 days, due to acute pain in the abdomen, the writer left the country of Cezanne and Parmesan. At that time, Franz begins his first novel, Missing, which was later renamed America. Kafka wrote most of his works in German. If we turn to the originals, then almost everywhere there is bureaucratic language without pretentious turns and other literary delights. But this dullness and triviality is combined with absurdity and mysterious unusualness. Most of the master's works are saturated from cover to cover with fear of the outside world and the highest court.

This feeling of anxiety and despair is transmitted to the reader. But Franz was also a subtle psychologist, more precisely, this talented person scrupulously described the reality of this world without sentimental embellishments, but with impeccable metaphorical turns. It is worth remembering the story "The Metamorphosis", based on which a Russian film was shot in 2002 with the title role.

The plot of the story revolves around Gregor Samz, a typical young man who works as a traveling salesman and financially helps his sister and parents. But the irreparable happened: one fine morning, Gregor turned into a huge insect. Thus, the protagonist became an outcast, from whom relatives and friends turned away: they did not pay attention to the beautiful inner world of the hero, they were worried about the terrible appearance of a terrible creature and the unbearable torment to which he unconsciously doomed them (for example, he could not earn money, clean up on his own in the room and frightened the guests).

But during preparations for publication (which never came to fruition due to disagreements with the editor), Kafka issued an ultimatum. The writer insisted that there be no insect illustrations on the cover of the book. Hence, there are many interpretations of this story - from physical illness to mental disorders. Moreover, Kafka, following his own manner, does not reveal the events before the metamorphosis, but puts the reader before a fact.

The novel "The Trial" is another significant work of the writer, published posthumously. It is noteworthy that this creation was created at a time when the writer broke off the engagement with Felicia Bauer and felt like an accused who owes everyone. And Franz compared the last conversation with his beloved and her sister with a tribunal. This work with a non-linear narrative can be considered unfinished.

In fact, initially Kafka worked continuously on the manuscript and entered short fragments of the "Trial" in a notebook, where he wrote down other stories. From this notebook, Franz often tore out sheets, so it was almost impossible to restore the plot of the novel. In addition, in 1914, Kafka admitted that he was visited by a creative crisis, so work on the book was suspended. The protagonist of The Trial, Josef K. (it is noteworthy that instead of a full name, the author gives his characters initials) wakes up in the morning and finds out that he has been arrested. However, the true reason for the detention is unknown, this fact dooms the hero to suffering and torment.

Personal life

Franz Kafka was meticulous about his own appearance. For example, before leaving for university, a young writer could stand in front of a mirror for hours, scrupulously examining his face and combing his hair. In order not to be "humiliated and insulted", Franz, who always considered himself a black sheep, dressed according to the latest fashion trends. Kafka gave the impression of a decent, intelligent and calm person to his contemporaries. It is also known that the thin writer, who was fragile in health, kept himself in shape and, as a student, was fond of sports.

But his relations with women did not go well, although Kafka was not deprived of the attention of lovely ladies. The fact is that the writer remained in the dark about intimacy with girls for a long time, until his friends forcibly brought him to the local "lupanar" - the red light district. Having known the pleasures of the flesh, instead of the expected delight, Franz experienced only disgust.

The writer adhered to the line of behavior of an ascetic and, like him, ran away from the crown, as if afraid of a serious relationship and family obligations. For example, with Fraulein Felicia Bauer, the master of the pen broke off the engagement twice. Kafka often described this girl in his letters and diaries, but the image that appears in the minds of readers does not correspond to reality. Among other things, the eminent writer had an amorous relationship with the journalist and translator Milena Yesenskaya.

Death

Kafka was constantly tormented by chronic diseases, but it is not known whether they were psychosomatic in nature. Franz suffered from intestinal obstruction, frequent headaches and lack of sleep. But the writer did not give up, but tried to cope with ailments with the help of a healthy lifestyle: Kafka adhered to a balanced diet, tried not to eat meat, went in for sports and drank fresh milk. However, all attempts to bring their physical condition into proper form were in vain.

In August 1917, doctors diagnosed Franz Kafka with a terrible disease - tuberculosis. In 1923, the master of the pen left his homeland (left for Berlin) with a certain Dora Diamant and wanted to concentrate on writing. But at that time, Kafka's health only worsened: the pain in the throat became unbearable, and the writer could not eat. In the summer of 1924, the great author of the works died in the hospital.

It is possible that the cause of death was exhaustion. Franz's grave is located in the New Jewish Cemetery: Kafka's body was transported from Germany to Prague. More than one documentary film has been shot in memory of the writer, monuments have been erected (for example, the head of Franz Kafka in Prague), and a museum has also been erected. Also, the work of Kafka had a tangible impact on the writers of subsequent years.

Quotes

• I write differently than I speak, I speak differently than I think, I think differently than I should think, and so on to the darkest depths.
• It is much easier to oppress your neighbor if you know nothing about him. Conscience then does not torment ...
• Since it couldn't get any worse, it got better.
• Leave me my books. That is all I have.
• Form is not an expression of content, but only a lure, a gate and a path to content. It will take effect - then the hidden background will open.

Bibliography

• 1912 - "Sentence"
• 1912 - "Transformation"
• 1913 - "Contemplation"
• 1914 - "In the penal colony"
• 1915 - "Process"
• 1915 - "Punishment"
• 1916 - "America"
• 1919 - "Country Doctor"
• 1922 - "Castle"
• 1924 - "Hunger"

Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924) - a famous German writer, a classic of literature of the twentieth century. During his lifetime he was not deservedly appreciated. Almost all of the writer's famous works were published after his untimely death.

Childhood

The future writer was born in Prague. He was the first of six children in a fairly wealthy Jewish family. Two of his brothers died in early childhood, leaving only his sisters. Kafka Sr. was a successful merchant. He made a good fortune selling haberdashery. Mother came from wealthy brewers. Thus, despite the lack of titles and belonging to high society, the family was never in need.

As soon as Franz was six years old, he began to attend elementary school. In those years, no one doubted the need for education. The boy's parents, on the example of their own lives, perfectly understood his importance.

Franz studied well. He was a modest and well-mannered child, invariably neatly dressed and courteous, so adults always treated him favorably. At the same time, a lively mind, knowledge, sense of humor attracted peers to the boy.

Of all the subjects, Franz was initially most fascinated by literature. In order to be able to discuss what he read and share his thoughts, he initiated the organization of literary meetings. They were popular. Inspired by this, Kafka decided to go ahead and create his own theater group. Most of all, his friends were surprised by this. They knew perfectly well how shy their companion was and not quite sure of himself. Therefore, his desire to play on stage caused bewilderment. However, Franz could always count on support.

Study, work

In 1901, Kafka graduated from the gymnasium and received a matriculation certificate. He had to decide on future activities. Having doubted for some time, the young man chose the right and went to comprehend its complexities at Charles University. It cannot be said that it was only his decision. Rather, a compromise with his father, who was going to involve him in the trade.

Relations with the despotic father of the young man developed poorly. In the end, Franz left his home and lived for many years in rented apartments and rooms, living from penny to penny. After graduating from university, Kafka was forced to get a job as an official in the insurance department. It was a good place, but not for him.

The young man was not made for this kind of work. In his dreams, he saw himself as a writer, and devoted all his free time to studying literature and his own creativity. In the latter, he saw only an outlet for himself, not for a moment recognizing the artistic value of his works. He was so embarrassed by them that he even bequeathed to his friend to destroy all his literary experiments in case of death.

Kafka was a very sick person. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis. In addition, the writer was tormented by frequent migraines and insomnia. Most experts agree that these problems had psychological roots that go back to childhood, family and relationships with the father. Be that as it may, but for most of his life Kafka was in an endless depression. This is very evident in his work.

Relationships with women

Kafka never married. However, there were women in his life. For a long time, the writer had a relationship with Felicia Bauer. She clearly wanted to marry him, because the girl was not embarrassed by the broken engagement and the fact that he soon proposed to her again. However, the wedding did not end this time either. Kafka changed his mind again.

These events can also be explained by the fact that young people communicated mainly by correspondence. Based on the letters, Kafka created in his imagination the image of a girl who in reality turned out to be completely different.

The greatest love of the writer was Milena Yesenskaya. For the 20s of the last century, she was an incredibly free and self-sufficient person. A translator and journalist, Milena saw a talented writer in her lover. She was one of the few with whom he shared his work. It seemed that their romance could develop into something more. However, Milena was married.

At the very end of his life, Kafka began an affair with nineteen-year-old Dora Diamant.

Creation

During his lifetime, Kafka published only a small number of short stories. He would not have done this if not for his close friend Max Brod, who always tried to support the writer and believed in his talent. It was to him that Kafka bequeathed to destroy all written works. However, Brod did not. On the contrary, he sent all the manuscripts to the printer.

Soon the name of Kafka thundered. Readers and critics highly appreciated everything that was saved from the fire. Unfortunately, Dora Diamant still managed to destroy some of the books she got.

Death

In his diaries, Kafka often speaks of fatigue from constant illness. He directly expresses the certainty that he will not live more than forty years. And he turned out to be right. In 1924 he was gone.