Der Mord

Name: Der Mord
Author: Franz Kafka

By Franz Kafka

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German Literature Short Stories

About This Book

A brief, tightly observed narrative depicts a premeditated nighttime killing carried out by a man who waits at a street corner and strikes as his target passes. A neighbor watches from an upstairs window and the victim's wife, alerted by a distant sound, looks out in alarm; the attacker reacts with a mixture of exhilaration and revulsion, discards the weapon, and is escorted away by an officer. Onlookers and the grieving spouse surround the wounded body. The account emphasizes small, concrete details and ordinary gestures to intensify the scene's moral ambiguity and emotional unease.

About the Author

Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka was a German-speaking Bohemian writer, born in Prague in 1883. He is best known for his surreal and existential works that explore themes of alienation, anxiety, and the absurdity of modern life. Kafka's most famous novella, "Metamorphosis," tells the story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up transformed into a giant insect, symbolizing the struggle of the individual against societal expectations. His other notable works include "The Trial," which delves into the complexities of justice and bureaucracy, and "The Castle," reflecting his concerns about authority and the search for meaning. Kafka's unique narrative style and profound insights have left a lasting impact on literature.