Novelist

Franz Kafka

Kafka: 20th-century writer blending realism and fantasy.

Age
40
Birth Date
July 3, 1883
Death Date
6/3/1924
Life Range
(1883-1924)
Zodiac
Cancer
Height
6′ 0″

Franz Kafka was a renowned novelist from the Czech Republic, best known for his works such as The Metamorphosis and The Trial. His writing is known for its surreal, darkly comic and often nightmarish themes, which explore existential crises of guilt and alienation in modern society.

Franz Kafka Timeline

1883
Franz Kafka is Born
On July 3, 1883, Franz Kafka was born in Prague, Bohemia which is now part of the Czech Republic.
1907
Kafka Begins Writing
Kafka begins writing short stories, essays, and sketches which will later be collected and published in his first book “Betrachtung” in 1913.
1914
World War I Begins
The First World War begins and Kafka is drafted into the Austro-Hungarian Army.
1915
Kafka Begins Writing "The Metamorphosis"
Kafka begins to write his most famous work “The Metamorphosis” and it is published in November 1915.
1917
Kafka Moves to Berlin
In an attempt to escape persecution as a Jew in Prague, Kafka moves to Berlin with his friend Max Brod.
1923
Kafka's Health Declines
Kafka's health declines due to tuberculosis and he is forced to move back to Prague.
1924
Kafka Dies
Kafka dies on June 3, 1924 from tuberculosis at the age of 40.

Why We Love Franz Kafka

A

His Writing is Intensely Thought Provoking

Franz Kafka's writing is incredibly thought provoking. His stories are filled with symbolism and deep meaning, offering readers a chance to explore their own inner thoughts and feelings. His works often deal with themes of alienation, powerlessness and guilt.

B

He Was Ahead of His Time

Kafka wrote during a time when the literary world was still trying to find its footing in modernist literature. Kafka was able to push the boundaries of what people thought literature should be and opened up new paths for writers to follow. This innovation makes him an important figure in 20th century literature.

C

His Works Are Still Relevant Today

Kafka's works are still relevant today, as his themes of alienation, powerlessness, and guilt echo through the modern world. His style has been influential on many authors, filmmakers, visual artists and musicians, making his work timeless.

5 Interesting Facts about Franz Kafka

1.

Wrote in German

Franz Kafka wrote most of his works in German, even though Czech was his native language. He believed that German was the language best suited to express his thoughts and emotions.

2.

Published Few Books During His Lifetime

Despite being one of the most influential authors in modern literature, Franz Kafka published only a few of his books during his lifetime due to his perfectionism and lack of confidence in his work.

3.

Had a Reputation as a Rebel

Franz Kafka had a reputation as a rebel and nonconformist. He found it difficult to fit in with society and expressed his discontentment through his writing.

4.

Traveled Extensively

Franz Kafka traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting many countries including France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Poland.

5.

Left Behind Thousands of Pages of Unpublished Works

At the time of his death, Franz Kafka left behind thousands of pages of unpublished manuscripts which have since been published posthumously.

When is Franz Kafka birthday?

Franz Kafka was a Czech novelist born on July 3rd, 1883 and died on June 3rd, 1924 at the age of 40. He is best known for works such as The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle which examine modern anxieties through darkly absurd themes.