Symbolic Meaning Of Sickness Afflicts The Child In Kafkas A Country Doctor

Literary Analysis
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Institution
Literary Analysis
What is the symbolic meaning of the sickness that afflicts the child in Kafka’s “A Country Doctor”?
The sickness in the story represents an alternative view, vision, dream or desire. In every turn of life, there are always opposing views as well as opinions that often tend to dissuade people from pursuing or doing that which their hearts desire. The doctor was a kind and generous man who often helped the people of his community despite the ill and often mean treatment he received. However, the doctor’s quest to help the community happened at the expense of his happiness and development. Rose was his servant girl and symbolized the doctor’s desires or vision. The doctor’s complacency, however, gets in the way of his hope and probably future. His mind was already thinking about the boy he was asked to go and help. Unknowingly to him, the boy’s wound was indeed a distraction and not something that was worth pursuing.
While pursuing one’s desire, there are always things and people who will get in the way or offer their ‘best ideas’ or even present themselves as saviors of the day. However, it is indeed essential to remain focused on one’s desires and goals. The above became evident when the doctor reached the sick boy’s home. First of all, the boy knew he was never going to survive and told the doctor. The boy “threw his arms around my neck, and whispered in my ear: “Doctor, let me die.””. The above can be interpreted as the warni...