"The mediation by the serpent was necessary. Evil can seduce man, but cannot become man"

In this quote, Kafka is suggesting that the presence of evil in the world is unavoidable and needed. He uses the metaphor of a snake, typically associated with deceit and temptation, to represent evil. The act of mediation by the snake implies that evil has the power to affect and manipulate human beings. However, Kafka also stresses that evil can not totally take over or end up being a part of mankind. This could be interpreted as a caution against catching the temptations of evil, as it can lead to unfavorable consequences. In general, Kafka is highlighting the constant struggle in between great and wicked and the significance of withstanding the seduction of evil.