essay

Fiction is often a reflection of society. Sometimes a story can bridge time yet remain relevant on some level. Franz Kafka’s short story, “A Hunger Artist,” was written in 1924, almost 90 years ago, but there are similarities between the hunger artist in the story and people today who seek attention.
 

In a short essay (250 or fewer words), compare the main character in “A Hunger Artist” to a person who does (or to people who do) extreme things for attention. You may refer to a specific individual, or to someone on a TV reality show, or select someone in the news, but keep your focus narrow.