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A Hunger Artist – Kafka’s Tale of Obsession and Isolation

HorrorBabble

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"A Hunger Artist" is a short story by Franz Kafka first published in Die neue Rundschau in 1922. The story tells of a man who makes his living by publicly fasting for extended periods, transforming his act of self-denial into a strange form of art.

00:00 - Introduction
01:04 - A Hunger Artist
35:21 - Outro

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Narrated by Jennifer Gordon for HorrorBabble
Music and production by Ian & Jennifer Gordon

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20 Comments

@HorrorBabble Creator 7 years ago (edited) Pinned

@Flood520 8 years ago

Boy, I guess people would watch ANYTHING before tv was invented.

@vero0992 9 years ago

This story is awesome. I feel like there are so many parallels to being an artist of any kind, whether writer, film maker, ink...especially in this age where you can either be seen or not seen by millions of people in the blink of an eye. You lay yourself bare, and they notice or they don't. Wild. Also, like all of yours and Ian's, I loved the narration!

@magisterapophis 9 years ago

I love the stark contrast between the hunger artist and the Panther. Was abit of a depressing story but hearing how the hunger artist had lived makes you really appreciate life and its pleasures. Another fine telling and thank you for the recommendation Jennifer.

@michax109 7 years ago

What a wonderful tale of the ‘ human condition ‘. Perfectly enhanced by Jennifer ‘s soft yet haunting narrative.

@DamoBloggs 9 years ago

Morbid and compelling, with beautiful narration and ambience.
Excellent work!

@logancarter8366 9 years ago

Love Kafka. Very well read. Jennifer your gentle voice was perfect for the voice of the Hunger Artist. Bravo

@MrTidx90 6 years ago

Damn Kafka! You ain't have to write about my insecurities as an Artist like that. 😹 Jen your amazing narration eased this medicine into my psych💯

@Saheeb138 8 years ago (edited)

Fantastic. This has been on my list of "Why haven't I read this yet?!" I listened to it for the first time a couple of days ago and was existentially floored. I guess I should pick up The Metamorphosis that is languishing in a book case. Excellent reading as always!

@michellejingdong 5 years ago (edited)

Thank you for this narration! For me, it's so difficult to appreciate Kafka's work because he's too excellent in portraying the painful human relationship and nature! It's so uncomfortable to read his articles, as he always chose the negative stories but make everything seemed so real and tangible! It's so reflective and compelling but it's so hard to return to a good mood after reading his articles. Kalfa is simply too professional in making everyone insecure!

@Nilbogish 10 years ago

wonderful, love this story.

@spiritedrenee9895 7 years ago

The ultimate picky eater.

@tendies420-qy1re 2 years ago

thank you for making this - AMAZING work! Long live Kafka :-)

@robbabcock_ 2 years ago

Kafka and HorrorBabble, what an awesome combination! 👏🔥❤

@JustinBlastoff 6 years ago

This is very intriguing. It's as if it is a psychological lecture as well as a metaphysical description of the mind and the body. The more the people on the outside look in, the more the person on the inside goes into himself. There are so many observations to be had. I love this writing and I found him through pure synchronicity. This writing has given light to realness and the spiral of justification of ourselves. Apparently he's a Gemini. I can see it. Great work!