Kafka Put on Pension Due to Illness

Franz Kafka, a prominent writer known for his influential works, faced significant health challenges during his life. Diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1917, Kafka's condition deteriorated, leading to his inability to fulfill his professional duties. Initially, he was deferred from military service during World War I due to the essential nature of his work at the insurance institute. However, as his health declined, he sought to join the military but was ultimately prevented from doing so because of his medical issues. In response to his deteriorating health, the Worker's Accident Insurance Institute placed Kafka on a pension, recognizing that his illness was incurable at that time. This decision marked a turning point in Kafka's life, as he spent the remainder of his years in various sanatoriums, where he struggled with his illness while continuing to write. The impact of his health on his literary output is notable, as many of his works reflect themes of alienation and existential despair, possibly influenced by his personal experiences with illness and isolation.