The Metamorphosis, Book Review Example

Plot

What is the source and nature of conflict for the protagonist? Was your major interest in the story based on what happens next or on some other concern? What does the title reveal now that you’ve finished the story?

Franz Kafka, in his novel “The Metamorphosis,” paints the character of the protagonist Gregor Samsa, in a typical and unique fashion. He is a young man, who suddenly one fine morning transforms into a parasite. The story depicts the illusive journey of the individual from a human world to a world of insects. The author gradually imposes the physical and emotional changes within Gregor, and in a sublime manner describes the apathy and torment of the rapid transition. The plot revolves round Gregor Samsa, an ardent and hardworking employee, a good son, who toiled like an animal working hard to meet the debt of his parents. The irony is that, when the so called ‘good son’ transcended into a different species, losing the ability to work and sustain, his family disregards him, isolates him and leaves him alone to fight his trauma. They even sigh in relief to the sudden death of their son. The story is highly hypothetical, but the narration with the underlying humor and irony makes the pace of the script exciting ..like it reveals the small little instances of the alienated Gregor, his turmoil and his psychological isolation which unfolds the paranoia and the tragedy of the individual. It may be the craft of the author, to engage the readers in the complex changes of the story and make us feel sad for Gregor. Truly the title identify the story as it is encompasses the total transition of the Samsa family- once the room of Gregor is changed, his precious belonging removed, his parents and his sister becomes hostile to his existence and there is a total metamorphosis of the character and sentiments involved.

Symbolism: Did You Notice Any Symbols in the Story? Are They Actions, Characters, Settings, Objects, or Words?

Kafka used symbols to hint the readers about the deep underlying meanings of the story and make them think more about the situation of the Samsa family. Firstly he is shown to be a bug, our human instincts are to crush and squash the bug till it dies. Moreover it does not have a ‘backbone’..what Kafka might have implied was that Gregor was a man without a backbone. He worked hard like an insect and could never gather the courage to tell his parents to share his workload. “They were emptying out his room, taking away everything he was fond of.” (Kafka 35), Gregor was hurt and felt miserable as he symbolized furniture with humanity. There is a window in the bedroom of Gregor. It is like a looking glass for him with which he sees into the heart of the normal society. Music also symbolizes the potent urge of Gregor to live and come back to his normal self and shower his love for his sister. It shows that in spite of all the hardships, Gregor was ready to forgive his family. The Hospital symbolizes help which was so near and yet so far.

How Does the Author’s Use of Language Contribute to the Tone of the Story? Did It Seem, for Example Intense, Relaxed, Sentimental, Nostalgic, Humorous, Angry, Sad, or Remote? 

The Czech-Jewish author seems calm and composed, but there is a strong sense, an unsaid vocal message that he wants his readers to listen. He uses pun, humor and irony to describe the protagonist and the characters of his story. A little insight into the life of the author shows that he had an awful relationship with his father and his family had never been supportive to him. This internal dilemma and conflict had made his protagonist a bug, an insect who is the subject of constant ridicule and torment by his family. He thinks that family bondage is superficial and is more of ‘ give and take’ rather than unconditional love.

Reference

Zack Downing, (2009), Symbolism in Franz Kafka’s: The Metamorphosis, Last Retrieved on November 9, 2009 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2337264/symbolism_in_franz_kafkas_the_metamorphosis.html?cat=38

Book rags, (2008), Last Retrieved on November 9, 2009 from http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-metamorphosis/bio.html

Tripod, (2007), Last Retrieved on November 9, 2009 from http://summarycentral.tripod.com/themetamorphosis.htm