I ought to be able to invent words capable of blowing the odor of corpses in a direction other than straight into mine and the reader's face.
In Franz Kafka's work, particularly in his Diaries from 1910 to 1923, he expresses a profound struggle with the heavy and often unpleasant realities of life. He reflects on the challenge of confronting difficult truths and the need for language that can transform or divert these harsh experiences. The imagery of "blowing the odor of corpses" symbolizes the unavoidable nature of death and despair that he feels surrounds him and his readers.
Kafka's desire to "invent words" underscores his longing for creative expression that could alter perceptions and provide a sense of relief from the grim aspects of existence. Through this quote, he articulates a yearning to find meaning and beauty in a world so often filled with sorrow and decay, emphasizing the power of language to shape our thoughts and emotions even in dark times.
