“May I kiss you then? On this miserable paper? I might as well open the window and kiss the night air.”
- July 3, 1883 – June 3, 1924
- Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire
- Writer, lawyer
- Had a major influence on 20th century literature with works such as “The Metamorphosis,” “The Trial,” and “The Castle”
Quote
“May I kiss you then? On this miserable paper? I might as well open the window and kiss the night air.”
Explanation
In this poignant line, Franz Kafka expresses a deep sense of longing and frustration through the metaphor of a kiss. The idea of kissing “this miserable paper” conveys the emptiness and insubstantiality of the object of affection, suggesting that even the most intimate gestures or emotions may feel hollow when they cannot be fully realized or reciprocated. The comparison to “kissing the night air” further emphasizes the intangible nature of the connection, as if the act itself is both unfulfilled and disconnected from reality.
Kafka’s works often explore themes of alienation, unrequited love, and the limits of communication. The frustration in this quote mirrors his frequent portrayal of characters trapped in situations where their desires or needs are impossible to fulfill. Whether it is the disconnection between people, the inaccessibility of personal meaning, or the distance between one’s intentions and actions, Kafka’s characters often find themselves unable to bridge the gap between their inner experiences and external reality. Here, the kiss—a universal symbol of intimacy—becomes a symbol of impossibility rather than connection.
In a modern context, this line resonates with the sense of alienation and miscommunication that many people experience in relationships, especially in the age of digital communication or emotional distance. The act of trying to express love or affection in a world that often feels disconnected or disenfranchised can feel like an attempt to kiss the “night air”—a gesture that is ultimately unseen, untouched, and unfelt. Kafka’s words capture the tragic beauty of human attempts to reach out and connect, even when those efforts seem destined to fall short.
