A Country Doctor

The story follows a country doctor who is called to the bedside of a seriously ill patient on a cold winters night. The doctor sets out on a treacherous journey through the snow to reach the patient accompanied by his horse and assistant. As the doctor travels he encounters a series of surreal and nightmarish obstacles including strange figures and unsettling visions. When he finally reaches the patients home he finds that the situation is far more complicated than he expected and he struggles to find a way to help his patient. Like much of Kafkas work A Country Doctor is characterized by its surreal and unsettling quality as well as its exploration of themes of identity power and the human condition. The story is notable for its ambiguous and open-ended nature which has led to a wide range of interpretations and critical analysis.