And I could never understand why you were insensitive to the sorrow and shame you inflicted on me with your words and judgements – it was as if you didn't sense your own power. And I certainly made you ill with words; but I knew what I was doing, though it hurt me, but I couldn't control myself, I couldn't hold back my words – though I regretted them. But you landed blows with your words and you were clueless – you never pitied anybody, not then, not later – and people were defenceless before you. And
In "Letter to My Father," Franz Kafka expresses deep emotional turmoil stemming from the harsh judgments and insensitivity he faced from his father. Kafka reflects on how his father wielded words as weapons, inflicting sorrow and shame without realizing the impact of his actions. This disconnect emphasizes the father's unawareness of his own power over others, leaving Kafka feeling vulnerable and attacked.
The letter also reveals Kafka's struggle with his own words, acknowledging that he could also cause pain, albeit with conscious intent. Despite regretting his hurtful expressions, he felt unable to restrain himself. This dynamic illustrates a complex relationship filled with misunderstandings, where neither party seemed to recognize the other's feelings or vulnerabilities, exacerbating their emotional distance.
