I have not read Kafka yet but I really like the idea of naming the characters like that. I think it keeps the focus on the story itself, not the name or who the character may relate to. Some names have associations that may affect the outcome of the story.
You are right. Some characters in stories are based on people the author knew, or part of themselves or in people they observed.
He has some very good works; I would tell you to start with "Notes from Underground," but of course his most famous work is "The Metamorphosis."
I agree with you, characters are a sum of many things!
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There's a podcast "Hardcore Literature" that discussed his work.
I'll look for it! The channel sounds very interesting, thanks!
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I've never heard of "Notes from Underground" by Kafka - maybe, the German title runs another way.
Or did you mean one of Dostojewsky's works which Kafka had read?
The most famous works in German speaking countries are "Der Prozess" and "Das Schloss".
"Der Prozess" / "The Trial" (1914/15) gives us the story of Josef K., who is arrested completely out of the blue and finds himself caught up in an opaque, absurdly bureaucratic legal process.
"Das Schloss" / "The Castle" (1922) tells about the surveyor K. who struggles in vain to be recognised by the mysterious castle and its officials as being entitled to work there and as one of their own.
Both novels are nightmares and are told in the way of someone who cannot awake.
"Die Verwandlung" / "The Metamorphosis" (1915) runs similar in this respect and relates in some way on Dostojewky's "Notes" from 1864.
You're right! I was confusing the author! It's Dostoevsky... I must start to doubt my memory. 😆
I've been meaning to read The Castle for over 10 years, but the protagonist's constant frustration keeps getting in the way. I should finally finish it this year (I've started it dozens of times).
You read it perfectly if the protagonist's constant frustration becomes yours!
A small correction @emmabritt, I had told you "Notes from Underground" as a work by Kafka, but luckily @ty-ty has a better memory than me and corrected me. It's actually by Dostoevsky, but it's very good!
...and nevertheless it is a good introduction before reading Kafka, it seems (since Kafka appreciated 'Notes from Underground' and referred to it).
I agree with Kafka; it's a work I must reread. I remember finding it very funny at that time, but I'm sure it wasn't written to be humorous.
I see. I'm reading your thread now. There are some interesting titles mentioned by ty that piqued my interest
You know the Z Library app... I'll send it to you via DM so you can look for those free books.
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Sure, thank you! I'm currently using Gutenberg Project
Yes, that's a great option too!