Author: Franz Kafka

Year of Publication: 1915

PLOT: 5/5

CHARACTERS: 5/5

WRITING: 5/5

CLIMAX: 5/5

ENTERTAINMENT: 5/5

Plot:

The Metamorphosis is a frightening story of alienation and pain that, despite its magical exterior, hides a terrible truth that has deep roots in each of us. The most captivating aspect of Kafka is his capacity to create a story out of personal trauma and anxiety that communicates as a universal message to everyone who reads it, focusing on the guilt, loneliness, and annoyance in every heart.

When Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from terrible nightmares, he discovered that he had been changed into an awful vermin in his bed. This is how The Metamorphosis, one of the key novels of the 20th century, begins. Gregor Samsa is a travelling salesman who one day awakens to find that he has changed into an insect.

Gregor’s terrible story of metamorphosis is a potent portrayal of shame and failing in the eyes of a father, using religious imagery and supernatural events to stab the reader deep in the heart and soul.

The themes of alienation, disillusionment, and existentialism are addressed in The Metamorphosis. Kafka skillfully draws his readers into a web that explores the absurdity of existence, the alienating experience of modern life, and the cruelty and incomprehensibility of authoritarian power, leaving them both astounded and impressed as Samsa struggles to reconcile his humanity with his transformation.

What I liked about/didn’t like about the book?

This is a lovely memoir that has parallels to anyone’s experience in real life. The conscious self experiences some of the month’s days in a similar condition since the events and emotions are so vivid. You have a Point of View (PoV) from everyone’s perspectives thanks to the author’s use of words and events that burrow into readers’ imaginations through characters like Gregor Samsa, Grete, Mr. & Mrs. Samsa, or maybe the vermin he evolved into. Must-read for those who prefer reading more literary works.

This narrative demonstrates many aspects of human nature, but for me, selflessness is the most important one. How much of a virtue is it? Perhaps to the point where animosity sets in, as it does when Gregor calculates the number of years he will need to work to pay off his father’s debt before quitting his job to pursue his passion. When one becomes a “enabler,” is that a virtue? Each member of Gregor’s family finds lucrative work after he is no longer able to provide for them; if only he had known when to stop helping them, they could have done so much sooner.

In this case, he sacrificed himself in a way that was not only fruitless but also harmful to himself and his family. Does the receiver value self-sacrifice? Maybe, provided the beneficiary is not made reliant; but, dependency generates resentment when the recipient’s sense of entitlement is frustrated, as is seen from the reaction of Gregor’s family when he is no longer required by them. Are the beneficiaries willing to reciprocate self-sacrifice? When Gregor needs assistance, it is not given. He turns into an embarrassment who needs to be hidden, avoided, and ultimately forgotten about.

Will I recommend this book?

This book is fantastic. Though everything happens and changes, not much actually occurs. I finished it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! I heartily suggest it; it’s a wonderful illustration of a remarkable imagination.

Final Verdict

Absolutely, this book is advised. This book does a big favour for each and every word put in it by illuminating the broad spectrum of human behaviour, nature, emotions, and reactions. The truth of every connection, human vanity, emotional highs and lows, behaviours one takes in specific situations, and purposeful or inadvertent reactions have all been very skillfully represented in this book. If one is an avid reader, this book has a lot to teach them.