Franz Kafka Dies in Kierling

Franz Kafka, a prominent writer known for his influential works, faced a prolonged battle with laryngeal tuberculosis, which severely impacted his health. After experiencing a decline in his condition, he returned to Prague, where he received care from family members, including his sister Ottla and his partner Dora Diamant. In search of specialized treatment, Kafka was admitted to Hugo Hoffmann's sanatorium located in Kierling, just outside Vienna. His stay at the sanatorium was marked by a struggle against his debilitating illness, which ultimately led to his death. Kafka's health deteriorated significantly during this period, and he was unable to consume food due to the pain caused by his throat condition. The medical practices of the time did not include parenteral nutrition, which could have provided him with the necessary sustenance. As a result, Kafka's death was attributed to starvation, highlighting the tragic consequences of his illness and the limitations of medical care available at that time. His passing marked the end of a life that had a profound impact on literature, influencing countless writers and thinkers in the years that followed. Kafka's works continue to be studied and celebrated for their exploration of existential themes and the human condition, ensuring his legacy endures long after his death.