Kafka's Monkey

Kafka's "The Monkey" is a short story about a young girl who, feeling lonely and bored, asks her neighbor for a monkey to keep her company. The neighbor agrees but warns her that the monkey can be mischievous and difficult to care for. Despite this, she takes the monkey home. Over time, the monkey causes chaos in her life, demonstrating that desires for novelty or companionship can have unintended consequences. The story explores themes of longing, the nature of innocence, and the unexpected challenges that come with seeking something different or exotic.