Artists & Writers · 20th Century
Franz Kafka’s Last Words
“Please, more morphine. Don't deceive me. Give me more morphine.”— Franz Kafka, June 3, 1924
Who Was Franz Kafka?
Franz Kafka wrote nightmarish, prophetic fiction including The Metamorphosis and The Trial. His name has given us the word 'Kafkaesque' to describe absurd, oppressive bureaucratic situations.
The Final Moments
Kafka died of tuberculosis of the larynx, which made eating excruciatingly painful. He was essentially starving to death as he could not swallow. He dictated his final letters and corrections to his work.
Are These Words Verified?
Robert Klopstock, Kafka's medical student friend who attended him at death, reported these words, though exact phrasing varies across accounts. The plea for morphine is consistent with documented starvation from laryngeal tuberculosis.
Sources
- firsthand Robert Klopstock firsthand account
- biography Max Brod biography
- archive Kafka medical records, Kierling Sanatorium
Legacy
Kafka asked his friend Max Brod to burn his manuscripts after his death. Brod disobeyed and published them, giving the world The Trial, The Castle, and Amerika.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Franz Kafka’s last words?
“Please, more morphine. Don't deceive me. Give me more morphine.”
How did Franz Kafka die?
Franz Kafka died on June 3, 1924 at the age of 40. Cause of death: Starvation from tuberculosis of the larynx.
Were Franz Kafka’s last words documented?
Robert Klopstock, Kafka's medical student friend who attended him at death, reported these words, though exact phrasing varies across accounts. The plea for morphine is consistent with documented starvation from laryngeal tuberculosis.
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