A book that took only three weeks to write, yet another three years to publish, Metamorphosis remains – by popular opinion – one of Franz Kafka’s best works. One that is truly emblematic of the author. And a book that almost defines the term, Kafkaesque. A fascinating, albeit sad story of one man’s struggle through what are the transformative days of his life. In the literal sense. And a transformation that isn’t pleasant by any stretch of the imagination.
First a word on the Kafkaesque Franz Kafka
Born in Prague, Franz Kafka is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of 20th century literature. A novelist and short-story writer, his work largely revolves around existentialism, self-discovery, and social detachment, with plots that border on, and sometimes even crossing, the bizarre. If some critics are to be believed, many of his stories are reflections of different phases of Kafka’s own life. Which, if the plot and struggle in Metamorphosis is anything to go by, hints at quite a life.
A lawyer by formal profession meant his writing was largely limited only to his spare time. Yet, the impact of his contribution to literature is so substantial that the word ‘Kafkaesque’ is today used to describe the kind of situations you would find in his writings.
A reluctance to publish his works not only resulted in Metamorphosis being published three years after Kafka was finished, but also that some of his work, like The Trial, The Castle, and America would have to be published by his friend Max Brod. Against the instructions Kafka left back in his will I might add. But despite the limited number, his ideas have for decades influenced writers, artists, as well as philosophers.
Metamorphosis – The twisted plot that never quite straightens out
Metamorphosis is a story of Gregor Samsa, a salesman, and sole earning winner in his family. While he, like the rest of his family deals a rather challenging financial situation, they soon find themselves dealing with a situation that is not just difficult, but so bizarre that it will take all their mental, emotional, and psychological strength to simply come to terms with it. The mysterious transformation of Gregor Samsa into…a bug. Yes, a bug. And once Gregor is sure this transformation isn’t just his dream or imagination, begins the story where one man’s existence has suddenly turned on its head. And with it, comes the suffering, emotions, and the gradual, yet understandable transformation of his family.
As Gregor’s family, that includes his parents and sister, begins to accept his new reality, they also need to deal with the added financial responsibility caused by Gregor’s metamorphosis and subsequent incapacity. Forcing each of them to undergo a transformation, or metamorphosis, of their own. But unlike Gregor’s theirs is not a metamorphosis of the body. But of their mind, and their soul…
The Journey. And the Struggle.
Metamorphosis is not a story of inspiration. Or one with a happy ending for that matter. It is a story of cruelty, resentment, and abandonment. And while it is obviously fictional, you can’t help but experience the story’s emotions in reality. Perhaps because, even through a wildly fictional story, this book plays around the true social and psychological nature of human beings. Around the gradual change and transformation we experience. In ourselves. In the world around us. And what it means to each of us. More importantly, what it does to us, to our very nature and conduct. It’s something we have all experienced. And a realization of the extent to which it can drive an individual or a group of individuals.
Unlike most pieces of fiction, Metamorphosis does not promise a happy tale ending for its protagonist, Gregor Samsa. It is in fact one of those rare pieces where the protagonist is nothing more than allegory. Perhaps that is one of the aspects that make Metamorphosis’ story so interesting, sad, and moving at the same time.
Written by Franz Kafka. Inspired by Franz Kafka
Many argue that Kafka’s own life partly inspired the story of Metamorphosis – minus the transformation into a giant bug of course. A life that included a strained relationship with his father. A life where he was engaged to multiple women, but never married. But more importantly, a life of struggles of a middle-class working man. In a way, a life that had its fare share of resentment, abandonment, and the struggles of restraint and condemnation. The themes that are central to Metamorphosis.
What troubles me about Metamorphosis.
Although Metamorphosis is pretty easy to follow, it can be a bit of a challenge to begin. That’s largely down to the shock that comes with Gregor Samsa’s transformation. But that is perhaps what you can expect from Kafka. And despite its spectacular narrative, a few questions about Metamorphosis do trouble me.
- No explanation about Gregor’s transformation
Perhaps it is an obsession of knowing why that makes raises this question. But a lack of explanation about Samsa’s transformation to a giant bug leaves a lot to your interpretation. While this leaves the door open for many theories and possibilities, it also raises the question of how and why Samsa underwent a metamorphosis. - Grete – Gregor Samsa’s sister
A tad more difficult to explain without giving away any spoilers. But here goes. For someone who cared so much her brother, who was now a bug, Grete’s own transformation seemed a little too abrupt. Almost out of place, and out of character. Even though it is something one can understand in the larger scheme of things, the sudden transformation doesn’t do a lot of justice to what looked the one of the more likeable characters in the story. - An empty feeling
The end of Metamorphosis’ story gives you an almost empty feeling. There’s no easy way to explain this. May be even forcing some of its readers to ask, ‘What was the point of it all?’
Then again, the very aspects of Metamorphosis that trouble me may be the point of the story. May be there was no reason for Gregor Samsa’s transformation. Not every change needs a reason. May be Grete’s sudden change shows how quickly and drastically things can change. Especially in extreme situations. May be the empty feeling this book can give – like it did for me – isn’t really an empty feeling at all. But a feeling of reluctance to let go and move on. May be some things are best when they defy understanding.
I cannot make you, or anyone else understand. what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.
Franz Kafka
Metamorphosis
The Last word
Even though Metamorphosis is a short book that can easily be completed in a day or two, it is brimming with riddling metaphors and parallels that you most likely will relate to.
Originally written in German before it was translated, and indeed interpreted in multiple languages across the world, Metamorphosis is considered to be one of Franz Kafka’s best-known works. And even though it is quite possible that its translation may have cost the book some of its original wit and literary elements, it still makes for quite an interesting read, with a plot, characters, their nature and behavior, all open to your own personal interpretation. Just as I have expressed mine. And in my judgment, it’s one of those books that most readers would either really enjoy – which I hope you do, or entirely detest.
