Stories of Animals

In this pile of stories, Kafka blurs the line between humans and animals, prompting readers to ponder identity and societal roles. Through his portrayals of animals — some with human traits and others simply observed — he explores themes of alienation, power, and the quest for understanding, reflecting his own struggles with existence. Each story reveals not only the inner lives of its animal characters but also Kafka’s own experience. Curated by Kafka biographer Rainer Stach, this collection invites readers to uncover the deeper meanings behind the animals’ experiences and interactions in our world.

Franz Kafka (1883–1924) born in Prague, emerged as a pivotal figure in 20th-century literature, although he received little recognition during his lifetime. Raised in a middle-class Jewish family, Kafka suffered under a strained relationship with his father, Hermann, whose authoritarian nature often left him feeling inadequate and estranged. This dynamic significantly influenced Kafka's self-perception and creative expression. Kafka pursued law at the German University in Prague, earning his degree in 1906. While he worked in various insurance companies, he found little fulfillment in his career and dedicated himself to writing instead.

When discussing Kafka, one cannot overlook Max Brod, his close friend and literary executor, who played a crucial role in bringing Kafka’s work to public attention after his death, defying his wishes to have his manuscripts destroyed. Brod's decision to publish some of these works posthumously ensured Kafka's status as a vital figure in modern literature.

At first glance, Kafka’s animal stories seem to draw from a long tradition of fables featuring talking animals that explore significant questions about life. These creatures often symbolize human traits or moral lessons, making their messages especially accessible for children. However, Kafka’s narratives extend beyond simple symbolism. Many of his protagonists are animals that express complex identities, challenging conventional perceptions.

During this time, animals were often viewed through a utilitarian lens, serving primarily as sources of labor, food or entertainment. In works such as A Report to an Academy (1917) and The Burrow (1924), Kafka centers on the experiences of animals, providing profound insights into their lives. His father's use of animal terms to describe people in a bad way may have shaped Kafka's perspective on animals and humans, a fact well documented in his letters. In these writings, Kafka frequently expressed feelings of not being human, reflecting his deep sense of disconnect from the society around him.

Hints of this theme can also be found in his earlier writings. In the fragment Wedding Preparations in the Country (written between 1907 and 1909), he introduces a character who believes he has turned into a bug. This theme culminates six years later in his famous novella The Metamorphosis (1915), where the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, awakens transformed into a monstrous insect. Following this work, Kafka continued to delve into the lives of animals in stories like The Hunger Artist (1922) and Josephine the Singer (1924), both exploring themes of artistic identity through the lens of animal characters. In these narratives, Kafka examines the precarious position of the artist within society, reflecting on their struggles and the quest for acceptance.

I found Kafka's stories highly engaging, with The Burrow standing out for its unique structure. The narrative begins with an expansive exploration but cleverly loops back on itself, maintaining a sense of mystery about the protagonist’s identity until the very end. Initially, I assumed the main character was a mole, only to realize it was a badger. This element of ambiguity enriched the story, making it not just a tale about an animal, but a deep dive into the psyche of its paranoid character. I also found the abrupt ending, given that the work is incomplete, unexpectedly satisfying. It encapsulates the inherent paranoia of the badger, leaving readers pondering its implications.

Stories that also stood out to me were The Little Fable (1917), The Vulture (1920) and Josephine the Singer or The Mouse Folk. The last one left a lasting impression, providing a thoughtful conclusion to the collection. The story encourages readers to think about Josephine's role as an artist and the significance of artistic expression within society. The mice, who appreciate her singing but fail to recognize her art as valid work, represent a mindset that persists today, where artistic contributions can often be undervalued. Kafka leaves the assessment of Josephine’s worth to the reader, inviting us to affirm the value of art based on our own experiences and engagement.

»But the most remarkable thing was that she was not only a singer, but that she was a singer who sang for her life.«

The absurd nature of life, the feelings of isolation experienced by his characters, and their struggles with communication resonate with many modern readers. However, these stories can also be seen with a sense of humor. We now understand that Kafka wasn't as sad and gloomy as once believed, largely due to Max Brod's influence. This perspective invites readers to reflect on the balance between despair and absurdity, allowing for various interpretations of his work. Overall, this collection of Kafka’s stories offers a profound exploration of identity, art, and the complexities of existence, making it a captivating read for anyone interested in the depths of human experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend this collection to anyone who appreciates Kafka's distinctive voice, as it spans his early works through to his later stories. I often find myself wishing that Kafka could see how far society has come since his time. While discriminatory attitudes still persist, there are now communities where individuals resonate with feelings similar to his own, identifyng as not fully human.

Considering the historical context of the early 20th century in which these stories were written, it is fascinating how relevant they remain today. Although our understanding of animals has evolved in some respects, certain views endure as they did a century ago. Nevertheless, the way we interpret and engage with these narratives has significantly changed.