In the following activity, you will read a biographical essay that predominantly focuses on several works of Franz Kafka. Using the essay, answer the following questions in complete sentences and quoting particular information when necessary.
Experiences and Social Prejudices Early in Life
1. Where was Kafka born and what was it part of? What do you know about this particular period in history? ANSWER: Kafka was born “Prague in 1883.” It was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.” For the most part, Jews were a nomadic people without a nation. They lived in separate areas of cities. It is important to note that modern Israel was not a state until 1948.
2. What was the social expectation for Jews?
3. What do we learn about Kafka’s relationship with his father?
4. Who is Max Brod?
5. What profession did Kafka enter?
6. What do we learn about Kafka’s early writing?
7. How old was Kafka when he died? What did he die of?
The Trial Prompts Diverse Critical Commentary & Short fiction captures public interest
8. What do many critics say The Trial is about?
9. How does Hermann Hesse explain the basic meaning of Kafka’s The Trial?
10. What is The Trial a powerful symbol of?
11. Why does Hesse suggest The Trial “was a religious text?”
12. What type of interpretations are warranted when analyzing The Trial?
13. What “seems to have been [Kafka’s] intention” when creating the trial?
14. What does Vannatta say Kafka “dramatizes” more than any other writer?
15. What do Kafka’s stories “strain with?”
GROWING LITERARY REPUTATION ENHANCED AFTER DEATH
16. How and where does the “Hunger artist” die?
17. What does Lawson suggest food becomes a metaphor for?
18. Why is the Hunger Artist an artist?
19. What type of experience becomes open to the Hunger Artist when he leaves being a popular entertainer?
CREATES VIVID IMAGES OF VIOLENCE, CAPTIVITY, AND DEATH & REMAINS A SUBJECT OF LITERARY STUDY OF DEBATE
20. When was “In the Penal Colony” published and where was it published?
21. What does the “story open with”? What does it eerily remind you of?
22. What religious themes do some use to interpret “In the Penal Colony”?
23. What does Dolan see as the essential “dimensions” of “In the Penal Colony”?
24. What does Dolan say ”In the Penal Colony” is a prophecy of?
25. What are some of the “contradictory interpretations” of “In the Penal Colony”?
26. What does Foulkes say Kafka “managed to capture in words”?
After reading the biographical information, what reoccurring themes seem integral to Kafka’s work?