"Hunger Artist"

I really like Franz Kafka. I've noticed that he ends his stories sadly and they usually include a moral.
The story is about the literal meaning of the title. This anecdote is about a man who is known for fasting for long periods of time. It is interesting because when he is given a time limit, he is upset and not satisfied when he meets it. In his prime, he feels that the audience is mocking him and that he wants to continue the fast for longer than the forty day time limit.
I feel that Kafka uses some biblical references. For example, the hunger artist fasts for forty days, similarly Jesus fasted for forty days. It seems that the protagonist can never be satisfied. Although he was praised and adored, he wanted to push his limits. His need for constant praise, from his audience and himself, lead to his downfall.