The Mycenaean

(Photo courtesy of Public Domain)

Born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic, readers celebrate Franz Kafka for his literary works published after his death. Known for creating the “Kafkaesque” writing style that features surreal and nightmarish characters and settings. Kafka explores themes of isolation and anxiety and exemplifies the political unrest of the mid 20th century in Europe. 

One of his most notable works, The Metamorphosis takes place in the family apartment of Gregor Samsa. Published in 1915, the novella depicts the story of a traveling salesman who works to support his family. When he is inexplicably transformed into a bug one morning, his life changes dramatically. 

The book begins with a description of Mr. Samsa being late for work. As this is incredibly unusual for him, his family is alarmed and notify a doctor of his illness and his boss comes to visit his home when notified that he was late for the train. While his family and boss speak to him through the door of his room and urge him to come out, Greggor grapples with his new transformed state as a large insect. He struggles to adapt to his new body type and attempts to get out of bed, injuring himself in the process.

When Samsa collects his composure, he attempts to speak to his manager through the door to find out that his voice has changed and is completely unrecognizable. With this misunderstanding, Gregor manages to open the door in order to communicate with this manager and family better. However, once Gregor reveals his true form the manager flees the house and his father pushes Gregor back into his room using a rolled up newspaper. 

Gregor’s parents remain in shock of his transformed state, and Gregor’s 17-year-old sister Grete becomes the primary caretaker for Gregor. She begins to feed Gregor every day, taking note of the food that he likes and dislikes as well as cleaning his room occasionally. 

As time goes on, Grete begins to feel resentful towards Gregor as the family falls into poverty due to Gregor’s incapacity to work. She stops cleaning his room, allowing Gregor to live in filth, and does not take notice that Gregor no longer eats the food he is provided with. 

In an attempt to make more money, the Samsa’s rent out a spare room in their home to a group of boarders. One evening, Grete plays the violin for the men in their living room. Gregor hears the sound of Grete’s music and is entranced, creeping out of his bedroom and into the living room to listen. The boarders are horrified when they notice his presence and immediately demand they leave without paying rent. 

After the boarders have left, the family agrees that they must get rid of Gregor. Overhearing the family’s conversation and in a sickened condition, Gregor falls asleep and takes his last breath, ensuring that he will no longer cause his family any harm. The family feels relieved to hear this news, and begins to think about finding Grete a husband. 

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka portrays the feelings of social isolation and anxiety that modern young adults know all too well. The metamorphosis of Gregor into a giant insect serves as a physical manifestation of all of his guilt and self-hatred he feels. His inability to provide for his family and newfound state cause them to turn on him, placing their disgust towards his appearance over their care for him and familial loyalty. His inability to communicate and slow deterioration of health convey Kafka’s personal feelings of isolation towards the world and secret desire to withdraw himself from society and live a life of solitude.