In Franz Kafka's "Diaries, 1910-1923," the phrase "The onlookers go rigid when the train goes past" captures a moment of intense observation and stillness. It suggests that the mere presence of the train evokes a powerful reaction in those who witness it, reflecting a sense of awe or fear. This rigidity could symbolize how people confront the relentless progress of technology and the events unfolding in their lives.

Kafka's diaries often delve into the complexities of human emotions and experiences. The train, a metaphor for change or the unstoppable passage of time, prompts a profound response from the onlookers, highlighting the tension between inertia and movement in their lives. The rigid response can represent a form of paralysis in the face of overwhelming forces, a recurring theme in Kafka's work.