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I think most novelists write with the intent to be read after they have some years of experience. It's the next, natural step. Whether that reader is at a publi

I think most novelists write with the intent to be read after they have some years of experience. It's the next, natural step. Whether that reader is at a publishing house or not is a little hard to know, especially in Kafka's case. From what I've read and studied at university, Kafka wrote for his friends a lot. He shared his writings with them and they had a laugh. His pieces were known (by his friends) as dark comedies. Whereas in Western Europe and North America, they are read as existential pieces. Kafka doubted many times that his novels and stories would ever be published because of their 'immoral' content. So, I'm interested in any further info you have that might suggest otherwise.

jonnathanson 14y ago
"Kafka doubted many times that his novels and stories would ever be published because of their 'immoral' content. So, I'm interested in any further info you have that might suggest otherwise." To be frank, the subject of Kafka's authorly intent or personal inclinations is a bit tangential to my original point, and I'm not sure how we arrived here. I can tell, by your username, that Kafka is a subject of great personal interest. I share a love of his work, though I do not have any particularly privileged or scholarly insight into his history. I simply brought his name up because he wrote a great opening line to a great work, and because he wrote in an era in which readers' attention spans were every bit as precious as they are today. I think my original point has been sidetracked: namely, that great opening sentences capture the reader's attention, and that the reader's attention is at a premium. That's the only point I ever set out to make in this thread. And I think the point remains valid.