Kafka Admitted to Sanatorium in Kierling

Franz Kafka's health deteriorated due to laryngeal tuberculosis, prompting his return to Prague where he received care from family members, including his sister Ottla and companion Dora Diamant. Seeking specialized treatment, Kafka was admitted to Hugo Hoffmann's sanatorium in Kierling, located just outside Vienna. This facility was known for its focus on tuberculosis care, a common affliction during that period. Kafka's condition was severe, and despite the efforts of the medical staff and his loved ones, he faced significant challenges in his recovery. His time at the sanatorium was marked by a struggle against the illness, which ultimately led to his death. The circumstances surrounding his passing indicated that starvation played a critical role, as his health continued to decline during his stay. Kafka's experience at Kierling reflects the broader context of tuberculosis treatment in the early 20th century, where sanatoriums were often the last hope for patients suffering from this debilitating disease. His literary contributions, which include works that explore themes of alienation and existential dread, were profoundly influenced by his personal struggles with health and mortality, making his time in Kierling a pivotal chapter in his life and work.