Kakfka's Metamorphosis

3 Pages 738 Words

A Bug’s Life; “Kafka’s ‘Metamorphosis’”


Franz Kafka’s, “Metamorphosis”, is arguably one of the most eccentric, yet exemplary literary works ever published. Kafka uses science fiction to provide insight into the mind of Gregor Samsa, a young man who seems to have fallen into the pits of life’s endless routine. As the story begins Gregor is mysteriously transformed into a large grotesque insect, this represents the insecure feelings he feels about himself. As a selfless, very dutiful man Gregor works extremely hard at a job he truly despises just to support his sister and parents with whom he lives. Betrayal, escape, and self sacrifice are among the many themes explored through Gregor in this truly one of a kind story. As Sheldon Goldfarb, a doctor of English and published critic, so bluntly states, “ The Metamorphosis” is a depiction of the helplessness and disgusting nature of the human race.”
Admittedly, after reading this story for the first time, I could not help but question the acceptance of “Metamorphosis” as a serious literary work. For one, the idea of someone turning into a bug was a little too far-fetched and unrealistic to be taken serious. However, this opinion of mine would change after I was forced to read and interpret this story thoroughly. Upon closer inspection of detail and symbols I’ve concluded that ‘metamorphosis” is honestly one of the best stories I’ve ever read. With a subtle kind of style, Kafka is able to delve into the flaws of humanity and exploit them for everyone to see.

One tool of literature that Kafka uses to perfection is imagery. In the first section of this three part story, Kafka paints a visual picture of Gregor lying in his bed after just being transformed into an insect. As Goldfarb points out, the two most memorable images a reader experiences in this story are “.....first, the picture of Gregor Samsa transformed into an insect, lying on...