My Neighbor

"My Neighbor" is a short story by Franz Kafka.

The narrator seems to be successful and to have no difficulties in conducting his business. However, his repeated affirmation "I do not complain, I do not complain" suggests that there could be cause for complaint. In hindsight, he regrets not to have rented the apartment next door because of its kitchen. This apartment was now hired by another young businessman.

The narrator wants to find out more details about the life and the activities of his new neighbor Harras. He assumes that Harras wants to harm him commercially, possible even ruin him. He does not speak to Harras but makes inquiries, finding no more than that is a "young and emerging man" like himself. He is suspicious because Harras is always in a hurry and does not seem interested in a conversation. The narrator feels increasingly threatened, his fears grow to the grotesque, without evidence. In the end, his self-confidence has dissolved completely.