The Castle (novel) - The Title

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.

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