Ein zeitloses Dilemma: Franz Kafk as Ein Landarzt

Abstract

This essay gives an overview of a) the structure and content of the narrative (as the author sees it) and b) the literature dedicated to interpreting the story–both as »story«(»histoire«) as well as »discourse« (»discours«). The core of the discussion highlights the connection between the described wound (»rosa in vielen Schattierungen«) and the servant »Rosa«. Our essay concentrates–in its critical part–on psychoanalytical aspects of the narrative and adds insights derived from poststructuralist theory, namely from Jacques Lacan and Jacques Derrida. We deal specifically with Lacan’s notion of repression of desire by the »signifiant«–in this case »Rosa«, but also with Derrida’s concept of continual »différance«, i. E. a permanent postponing of fulfillment as applied to Kafka’s work. The word »différance«–standing for »Aufschub«–is a deliberate misspelling of »différence«. In »Ein Landarzt« instead of a linear process of »différance« we get a circle of deferment. The wound–the ›name‹ of which is »Rosa«–is the expression of a static dilemma; it is described in the eternal present. We find another expression of »différance« in Kafka’s parable »Vor dem Gesetz«–elevated into »das Reine, Wahre und Unveränderliche«.