In the Penal Colony
Franz Kafka
Dec 2015 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
28
Pages
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About this ebook
The story is set in an unnamed penal colony. As in some of Kafka's other writings, the narrator in this story seems detached from, or perhaps numbed by, events that one would normally expect to be registered with horror. In the Penal Colony describes the last use of an elaborate torture and execution device that carves the sentence of the condemned prisoner on his skin before letting him die, all in the course of twelve hours. As the plot unfolds, the reader learns more and more about the machine, including its origin and original justification. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
About the author
Franz Kafka (1883-1924) remains one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in 20th-century literature. Born into a middle-class Jewish family in Prague, Kafka's life was marked by a profound sense of alienation and existential angst, themes that permeate his work. Despite his relatively short life and modest literary output, Kafka's unique narrative style and exploration of the absurdity of human existence have left an indelible mark on modern literature.Kafka's relationship with his domineering father profoundly impacted his psyche and writings, often reflecting themes of powerlessness and bureaucratic oppression. His works, characterized by their surreal, nightmarish quality, delve into the human condition's complexities, often portraying protagonists trapped in incomprehensible and hostile worlds.Controversially, Kafka instructed his close friend and confidant, Max Brod, to destroy all his unpublished manuscripts upon his death. Brod's decision to defy these wishes and publish Kafka's works posthumously ensured that masterpieces such as "The Trial" and "The Metamorphosis" reached a global audience, cementing Kafka's legacy.Kafka's influence extends far beyond literature; his exploration of existential dread and the absurd has resonated with existentialist philosophers and inspired countless contemporary writers, filmmakers, and artists. His revolutionary ideas about the individual's struggle against an indifferent and often hostile society continue to captivate and challenge readers, making Kafka a timeless and essential figure in the literary canon.
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