Kafka was born in 1883 to a well-off jewish family in Czechoslavakia. His father worked his way out of poverty and struggled for acceptance with the German elite. Franz Kafka was the oldest child and only son, this subjected him to his father's tyranny and wishes to succeed. Kafka was dominated by his father and was sent to study in Germany rather than Czecholsovakia. The differences in societies and cultures contributed to Kafka's feelings of alienation and isolation. Kafka was also forced to study law in Prague. He received his doctorate only to take a desk job in an insurance agency. Kafka worked until he fell ill with tuberculosis. He then spent most of his time writing. Before he died, Kafka asked his friend to burn his works, but his friend went against his wishes and Kafka's works were published.
Follow this link for our interpretation of "A Hunger Artist."
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