Franz Kafka is a 20th century influential writer. His works explore existentialism and alienation themes. His novels and stories are marked by dark and complex universes
Born in Prague to middle-class Jewish family, spoke German. Worked at insurance company at 24, burned 90% of his writings. Published The Metamorphosis at 32, died of tuberculosis at 39. Left note for Max Brod to destroy his works, which Brod published
Born in Oldenburg in 1883 to a jurist father and farming mother. Initially studied law at Heidelberg University, later switched to medicine. Married Gertrud Mayer in 1910, sister of his friends
Angst is derived from German word "Angst" through Proto-Indo-European root *anghu-. Term entered English in 19th century from Danish, Norwegian, and German sources. Similar words exist in other languages like French anxiété and peur
Born in Paris in 1905 to naval officer father and teacher mother. Suffered from blindness and was bullied due to sensory exotropia. Studied philosophy at École Normale Supérieure, where he met Simone de Beauvoir
Existentialism emerged in mid-20th century France, coined by Gabriel Marcel. Term "existentialism" first applied to Jean-Paul Sartre in 1945. Philosophy prioritizes human existence and individual responsibility