Franz Kafka was born on July 3rd 1883. He was born in Prague, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary which is now modern day Hungary. He was born in a middle-class Jewish family in an area of people who spoke Czech. He was fluent in both German and Czech finding it hard in which to consider himself a German or Czechoslovakian as the community grew more of a national identity. He grew a lonely as a child from his parents being gone on business days and a troubled relationship with his father. Kafka attended German Charles-Ferdinand University of Prague in 1901 and obtained a degree of Doctor of Law in 1906 and took an interest in Czech literature. For the next 5 years Kafka worked for 2 different insurance companies, despite hating the job he rapidly went up through the ranks and positions and reports were well received by his superiors. Later in 1911 he opened an asbestos factory in Prague with his partner Karl Herman. During the time he owned it he had a particularly positive attitude towards donating his time to his business, but later gained more of an interest in writing. In 1915 he wad drafted for the military but his insurance prohibited him to saying his job was playing an important role in the war, to which he later tried to join but couldn't because his tuberculosis. In 1918 the Workers accident insurance institute put Kafka on pension due to his illness but there was no cure at the time so he spent most of the rest of his life in sanatoriums. Kafka had a strong influence on genres such as existentialism philosophy. He is not noted for many quotes but rather his views and perspective. Not only was his way of writing unique to others but his thoughts and experiences. He is credited with having the biggest impact on 20th century literature by Harry Steinhauer. Kafka was not famous during his life nor death but soon after. Kafka died June 3rd 1924 due to his turbucolis closing his windpipe which lead to starvation.
Kofka pictured at a young age
Prague Kafka's Residence
Franz as a young adult
The university he attended
The disease Kafka fell fatal too
Hebrew Translation:
1. [On] Tuesday, June 3, 1924 (1/2 Sivan 5684 on the Jewish calendar)
2. The glorious young man Anchel Kafka [Franz's Jewish name] passed on
3. Son of the respected Mr. Hanich Kafka [Hermann's Jewish name]
4. And mother Yettel Kafka [Julie's Jewish name]
5. May his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life.
Source: http://german.about.com/library/gallery/blfoto_kafka01det.htm
