Kafka's Sexuality

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Franz Kafka and Sexuality

Franz Kafka’s sexuality has been a controversial topic for decades. Despite having a powerful sex drive, Kafka rarely engaged in sexual conduct with women. As a result, some have speculated that Kafka was repressing his homosexuality or asexual. Others have claimed that Kafka was terrified of STD’s and pregnancies. Kafka’s constant fear prevented him from engaging in the sexual activity that he desired. Although these claims may not be entirely true, the notion that Kafka repressed his sexuality is justified. Max Brod, Kafka’s close friend, once said that Kafka was “tortured” by his sexual desire. This “torture” as a result of his repressed sexuality can be observed in parts of Kafka’s literature like in “The Metamorphosis”. In the Metamorphosis, Gregor’s sexuality is symbolized in the painting of the woman in fur. Gregor’s physical and psychological attachment to this painting is indicative of Kafka’s own obsession struggle with his sexual desires. Gregor struggles to let go of his sexuality as it is one of his few remaining human qualities. This interesting use of sexuality as an innately human quality suggests that Kafka views sexuality as a critical part of the human experience. This makes Kafka’s inability to manifest his sexuality due to his repressed sexuality even more tragic.

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