Originally published in 1919 under the German title “Eine kaiserliche Botschaft.”

Originally published in 1915 under the German title “Die Verwandlung.”

Long, narrow-bladed saw used to cut ornamental work from thin wood.

Originally published in 1913 under the German title “Das Urteil. Ein Geschi chte.”

Originally published in 1913 under the German title “Der Heizer. Ein Fragment”; the story eventually became the first chapter of Kafka’s novel Amerika.

Laborer employed to tend and fuel a furnace used to generate steam on a steamship.

Part or division of a ship that formerly contained the steering apparatus and is allotted to passengers who travel at the cheapest rate.

Officer on a ship who handles financial accounts.

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “In der Strafkolonie.”

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “Ein Landarzt.”

Light, two-wheeled carriage.

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “Ein altes Blatt.”

Glossy, black European birds belonging to the crow family that nest in towers and ruins.

Originally published in 1922 under the German title “Ein Hungerkünstler.”

Worsted, or twisted, fabric often used to make garments; the hunger artist’s wearing of tricot is certainly for an ascetic purpose.

Originally published in 1924 under the German title “Josefine, die Sängerin oder Das Volk der Mäuse.”

To purl is to flow with a murmuring sound.

Originally published in 1919 under the German title “Vor dem Gesetz”; the parable is part of Kafka’s novel The Trial.

Donna Freed here refers to Kafka’s story “Wedding Preparations in the Country,” originally published in 1915 under the German title “Hochzeitsvorberei tungen auf dem Lande.”