Literary Analysis of Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis"

A detailed Summary of Literary Analysis of Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis"

Metamorphosis is the story of Gregor Samsa-traveling salesman and bread winner for his family.

One morning he wakes up in his bed to find that he has transformed during the night into a giant

cockroach. In his new state he loses his job, is rejected by his family, and eventually dies as a

giant insect by wounds inflicted by his father. Although this story is disturbing on the outside,

there is more to it than meets the eye.

There are interpretations galore of this short story, but the one that seems most

symbolically accurate is that the story is a reflection of society. Kafka's family life was

troubled. Kafka was an anti-social boy and he was ostracized by his father for every decision he

made that displeased his father. His father once called a good friend of his a flea-ridden dog and

vermin. The story may be taken from this point of view. "Metamorphosis" may be told from a

literal perspective of how it would be if he were actually vermin to illustrate the way it feels to

In society when a person obtains a label, justly or unjustly, it stays. Nothing the labeled

says or does can be used to rid themselves of that label. Often the points the labeled make are

violin for them. As she does so, the men show little to no interest in the music that she plays. But

under the couch in his room. He is too ashamed of the label he has acquired to look at her or

has to say as mearly the chirping of an insect. As a deviant from the norm, everyone is incapable

says or does is trusted. Rather, every action and statement are questioned and believed to be the

While trying to climb out of bed, his family hounds him at his door. They repeatedly

has an impeccable record with the company, the boss tells him that he is fired. Gregor's speech

But as such as deviants are despised by society, they are also a necessary part of it. They

a giant insect. He has trouble getting up, communicating with family and his boss. He is rejected

Hibbard, John. The Metamorphosis: Overview. 2nd ed. Ed. Lesley Henderson. St. James Press,

trusting or taking the labeled seriously. If labeled as a deviant from the norm in any way, then

become. Something finally to be proud of.

Approximate Word count = 1402
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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