The Title
The title, Das Schloß, may be translated as "the castle" or "the lock". It is also similar to Der Schluß (close or end). The castle is locked and closed to K and the townspeople; neither can gain access. The name of Klamm is similar to "klempnern" in German, which means "to clamp, bolt or rivet" and may hold a double meaning; for Klamm is the lock that locks away the secrets of the Castle and the salvation of K. Directly translated, "klamm" is an adjective that denotes a combination of moisture and chill and can be used in reference both to weather and clothing, which inscribes a sense of unease into the main character's name.
Read more about this topic: The Castle (novel)
Famous quotes containing the word title:
“One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to the place where he arose.”
—Bible: Hebrew Ecclesiastes, 1:4-5.
Ernest Hemingway took the title The Sun Also Rises (1926)
“Bolkenstein, a Minister, was speaking on the Dutch programme from London, and he said that they ought to make a collection of diaries and letters after the war. Of course, they all made a rush at my diary immediately. Just imagine how interesting it would be if I were to publish a romance of the “Secret Annexe.” The title alone would be enough to make people think it was a detective story.”
—Anne Frank (1929–1945)