NOTE: This story was written in 1912, I think if you haven't read it by now, that's your problem - so, in this case, SPOILERS. I have, for a long time, wanted to read Franz Kafka. A lot of the reason behind this is that I, for some reason, drew some parallels between his ideas and those of H.P. Lovecraft. In some part, they are similar, but, at the same time, they couldn't be more apart from another - in content, tone, and structure. Not only that, but Lovecraft had a more anxious approach to how he presented his ideas, his character as a person bled into the stories he wrote, and same goes for Kafka. Only, Franz Kafka was clearly a much more confident man, and he had a lot of faith in his ideas - as well as, clearly, a host of people patting him on the back. The Judgement is a short story that clearly was written in a bout of egotism, and, somehow, throughout the years this story has garnered a following by people who think that its some sort of masterpiece - it isn't. Simply because this piece was written in a single sitting does not excuse the nonsense pace and nonsensical plot twists, nor does the age. The writers of Kafka's time were legendary and continue to be to this day, why does this low point in his journey as a writer get so much attention - why did he consider it a 'masterpiece?' Anyhow, the story follows Georg - who begins by writing a letter to his friend, who George isn't sure should receive judgement for his actions within this letter - either for staying in a particularly bad, uncertain situation, or for not returning to his home, where things may or may not be better. So, not knowing what to do, Georg sets about sending him a mail concerning little tidbits about his life and events back home, avoiding the subject and, as far as he knows, letting his friend live his life. And, the question of if he should mention his upcoming marriage occurs... Yes, it seems Georg has quite the dilemma. Sadly, Kafka deals with it in the most obscure, nonsensical way possible. Georg goes to tell his father of what is going on, which somehow immediately leads to Georg cowering before the man, who screams and tells him how it was, somehow, terrible how he communicated with his friend, and how his marriage was simple because the woman was the only person who'd sleep with him... despite their relationship being explained as a very long one in which they'd begun to co-exist rather happily? It is at this point the story just took a dive to me, rather then exploring the complicated nature of taking a, seemingly, middle path with his friend and what exactly that implies during a time where letters were a very important means of communication, or the possible confusion and horrors that could come from that, Kafka simply implies that disinformation as a whole is bad; almost as if it is the epitome of evil in his mind. Which, even if it is (which wouldn't be surprising seeing his history as a law student), doesn't sync up with Georg's actions - as he does not provide disinformation to his friend, he simply opts to provide little to none information, only once lying about his relationship and then immediately admitting this, opting to invite his friend to the wedding. Apparently having no faith in Georg, his friend and his father hatch a plot where Georg's father provides his friend with information to see if Georg will tell him? It's as confusing to comment on as it is to think about, really. Anyhow, this all somehow ends with Georg's father telling Georg to kill himself, so he does. Truly, The Judgement is Kafka's weakest piece of writing and it is held up by a mountain of excuses about absurdity and the general idea that it was 'a product of the time' - even though it wasn't. You want some really good Kafka? Read one of his other tales, almost any other tale. -L. BROOKS
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