Kafka and the Metamorphosis, Essay Example

The creative activity of Kafka has always been considered unique and unintelligible for the majority of readers. The high level of metaphors and much symbolism he uses often prevents the reader from obtaining the complete understanding of some of his works. Nonetheless, the genius of Kafka has been long ago recognized by the world community and his works are analyzed, investigated and widely read, supposing his popularity and eternal topics he touches.

Coming closely to the analysis of Kafka’s Metamorphosis, it is surely very interesting to investigate the plot of the novella to understand the true meaning and message the writer included in it. Speaking about the plot, the main character, Gregor Samsa, finds himself transformed into a bug one day and experiences incomparable sufferings and changes in treatment of members of his family when he understands he cannot be himself anymore, he is not accepted by his family, and he has to die to escape the unbearable horror and grief in which his life has turned (Kafka, 1979).

First of all, it is necessary to keep in mind that Kafka experienced the influence of idiosyncratic direction of Judaism, stating that the world is hopeless and al people are helpless in front of the powerful influence of fate. Thus, his pessimism and fatalism is clearly felt in his work – when Gregor faces the situation which he cannot influence and change, he chooses death.

What is also important to understand is that Kafka included autobiographical elements in the novella – he also experienced the tyrannical influence of his father and trusted only his sister who further on contributed to the pressure made on him by his family, thus betraying him. Kafka, the way his character felt with Grete, also felt the betrayal, which caused his suicidal attempt – so the parallels are evident (The Metamorphosis Study Guide, 2009).

One more influence that is traced in the Metamorphosis is the work of Gordin the Savage One – the plot is majorly taken from this play, and the main characters behave and develop similarly to those in the Savage One (The Metamorphosis Study Guide, 2009). Thus, it is clear that Kafka experienced many influences while creating the Metamorphosis – they were both autobiographical and religious influences, in addition covering the literary work used by Kafka for his plot.

References

Kafka, F., & Corngold, S. (1972). The Metamorphosis (10^th ed.), Bantam Classics.

The Metamorphosis Study Guide (2009). Retrieved November 2, 2009, from http://www.gradesaver.com/the-metamorphosis/study-guide/about/