Metamorphosis by Francis Kafka

A detailed Summary of Metamorphosis by Francis Kafka

Franz Kafka can be noted as the originator of the theme of alienation in the twentieth century. Throughout the century, as society evolved and began to disassociate itself from community and family values, Kafka's theme became all the more prevalent. However his piece Metamorphosis is said to have evolved from unique personal interactions that created an unimaginable alienation. A Czech in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a German-speaker among Czechs, a Jew among German-speakers, a disbeliever among Jews, Kafka had no place to enjoy in society. In addition he could not find refuge in his personal life. He was alienated from his pragmatic and overbearing father, from his bureaucratic job, even from the opposite sex--Kafka nowhere found a comfortable fit. This translates itself to much of his literature; in particular Metamorphosis allegorizes the most common sight of conflict befitting modern man.

The novella chiefly concerns itself with the character Gregor Samsa. He awakens one morning to find that he has been inexplicably transformed into a giant insect. In keeping with Kafka's detached style that permeates the entire piece, the author is sure to emphasize the fact that he has also slept late. Gregor's parents and his sister Gr

The third, and perhaps most powerful allegory of his story concerns the betrayal by his sister Grete. Grete was originally the person with whom Gregor related most closely. This continues throughout his descent, until a point where it appears that Grete is the only person in the family who still has even the slightest care for Gregor. The antithesis of this belief can be found when Grete begins to play her violin for the lodgers. When she began Gregor became profoundly moved. It was the first time he has heard his sister play in a long while, and he began to creep into the room towards her. In addition it is the first time that Gregor feels any relief since his transformation. He chooses to attempt to spare the criticism of the lodgers, and to tell her of his intention to send her to the conservatory to study music. One of the lodgers sees Gregor, and all three declared that they would leave the next day; further, they will not pay the rent that is due.

Grete, more than his father or mother, handles the situation practically. Gregor is fed, and his room is cleaned. Before long, however, economic reality requires all three to find work, and less attention is paid to Gregor--except when he gets out of his room. No one in the family is fully able to reconcile him- or herself to the insect Gregor, and Gregor is unable to express himself to his family. The fear and disgust his presence inspires (the irrational fear of the mammoth cockroach) is a detriment to his mother's health and incites his father to brief fits of violence. One such fit, a bombardment of fruit, deals Gregor a deep and crippling wound.

At this juncture, by the lead of Grete, the family

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1124
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English