Franz Kafka's identity is intricately tied to his writing, which he viewed as essential to his existence. Ernst Pawel emphasizes that Kafka didn't merely write; he embodied the act of writing as an integral part of his being. This profound connection highlights how writing served as a sanctuary for Kafka, a way to assert life in the face of mortality.

For Kafka, writing transcended mere expression; it became a vehicle for exploring his innermost thoughts and fears. The comparison to prayer suggests a spiritual dimension to his writing, where he sought meaning and a semblance of immortality through his literary work. This perspective reveals the depth of Kafka's relationship with his craft, marked by a relentless pursuit of understanding and self-definition.