The Judgment

"The Judgment" ("Das Urteil") is a short story written by Franz Kafka in 1912, concerning the relationship between a man and his father.

Plot summary

The story begins with a young merchant, Georg Bendemann, sitting in his room, writing a letter to his dear friend in Russia, who had left their hometown some years prior to set up a business that, though initially successful, was now failing. Georg is writing to tell his friend, amongst other happenings, that he is engaged to and will soon marry Frieda Brandenfeld.

Georg breaks out of his reverie and decides to check on his father. He informs his father that he has just written a letter to his friend, updating him on his upcoming marriage. His father questions the existence of his son’s friend in Russia, at which point Georg changes the subject. Georg’s father accuses him of deceiving him of the happenings of the business. He claims the death of his wife (Georg’s mother) hit him harder than it did Georg.

Georg insists on having his father lie down in bed for a while. Because of this, Georg’s father claims his son wants him dead. Moreover, he admits to knowing his son’s friend. He makes Georg feel terrible, suggesting that Georg has ignored his friend ever since he moved away to Russia. The father does not appreciate Georg’s love and care, maintaining he can take care of himself. Georg shrinks back into a corner, scared of his father and his harsh words.

Judgment (disambiguation)

A judgment is a balanced weighing up of evidence to form a decision or opinion.

Judgment or judgement may also refer to:

Cards and games

Law

Don't Give Up on Me

Don't Give Up on Me is a studio album by R&B/Soul singer Solomon Burke, recorded and released in 2002 on Fat Possum Records. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. It is noteworthy for the contributions of original and previously unreleased compositions by top-rank songwriters, the effect of which placed Burke back in the public eye for a time. Guest stars are Daniel Lanois, who plays electric guitar on "Stepchild", and The Blind Boys of Alabama, who feature on backing vocals for "None of Us Are Free". "None of Us Are Free" was also featured at the end of the sixth episode (Spin) of the second season of House. "Fast Train" was featured during the ending montage of the season three finale of The Wire.

The title track, written by the team of Dan Penn and Carson Whitsett with Hoy Lindsey, gained popularity (and introduced Burke to a new generation) when it was used several times on the popular primetime teen soap opera The O.C. as one of the signature song of adult couple Sandy and Kirsten Cohen, played by Peter Gallagher and Kelly Rowan. It became a staple of Burke's live performances and has been covered by Joe Cocker, as well as Peter Gallagher, who also performed the song on The O.C.