A Common Confusion

"A Common Confusion" (German: "Eine alltägliche Verwirrung") is a short story by Franz Kafka. It was published posthumously in Beim Bau der Chinesischen Mauer (Berlin, 1931). The first English translation by Willa and Edwin Muir was published by Martin Secker in London in 1933. It appeared in The Great Wall of China. Stories and Reflections (New York City: Schocken Books, 1946).[1]

"A Common Confusion"
Short story by Franz Kafka
Original titleEine alltägliche Verwirrung
LanguageGerman
Genre(s)Short story
Publication
Published inBeim Bau der Chinesischen Mauer
Media typebook (hardcover)
Publication date1931
Published in English

Synopsis

The story details transactions between A and B. A meets B at H and comes home pleased with the events. Following this, he meets B again, but only after a delay to the very same H he arrived at successfully previously. B is not there. To add insult to injury, A learns B had arrived early waiting for him. Thankfully he has an opportunity to explain to B what happened, but in his haste he trips and falls. He hears B above him stomping down the stairs enraged.

Analysis

The story has parallels with the dynamics of the officials within The Castle (novel).[2] Like many of Kafka's characters the good intentions, hard work, and diligence are futile efforts in an indifferent world. Kafka begins the story by stating the events are a "common experience" suggesting the story is an example of a universal rule.[3]

References
  1. The Great Wall of China: Stories and Reflections. Franz Kafka - 1946 - Schocken Books
  2. Reading modern short stories. J Thurston - 1955 - Scott, Foresman
  3. Trahan, Elizabeth. ""A Common Confusion": A Basic Approach to Franz Kafka's World". The German Quarterly. Wiley on behalf of the American Association of Teachers of German. 36 (3): 10. doi:10.2307/402545. JSTOR 402545.
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