Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka

 

METAMORPHOSIS

BY : Farnz Kafka

First published in : 1915

Book Reader’s View : E _ 002

Metamorphosis was first published in 1915 written by “Franz Kafka” , who was a German-language Jewish Czech writer and novelist. His best-known works include the novels The Metamorphosis , The Trial and The Castle .

The Metamorphosis was first published more than century ago and still we are reading it,  that itself proves that the book has something special in it and signifies the quality of the plot, writing skills and writer’s command over the thoughts too . 

Before  we proceed further and start discussing about the book, it’s very much important to understand the title of the novel i.e. “Metamorphosis”. What is it. Metamorphosis is a medical situation and defined as complete fundamental change in the body where someone’s character, behavior and appearance changes which involves changes in body structure, and behavior,

In its simplest form can be described as “ the process of basic and sudden change in the body form and habits .

Writer Franz Kafka is known for his influential, fiction . it’s interesting to know that despite publishing less during his lifetime, most of his major novels published after his death. Another interesting fact about him is that “Gen Z” loves Franz Kafka more because of his themes which perfectly mirror the struggles of modern life of youth . In his novels generally his characters are seen struggling with social pressure, family expectations, and fear of self-identity.

The novel “Metamorphosis” is all about a person's transformation and its consequences on his life and relationships. The story is about Gregor who earlier worked in army and later on became a sales executive. Story is all about this sales person who, one fine morning finds himself in a critical situation , transforming in a giant insect which not only changes his physical form but also affects his life and relationships with his family.

Due to this transformation the Gregor is not even able to make movements and forced to crawl , but in spite of thinking to come out of this situation his worries are about his family. In that critical physical  situation also, he tries to save his job for his parents and sister and bagging or say trying to convince the chief clerk who came to enquire about his absence from his duty.

Instances of deep emotional thoughts also noticed in the novel , like Gregor’s father's reaction on various occasions specially, after the chief clerk left the room after seeing him transformed, or when all are singing and dancing or the unused furniture is kept in his room  and specially in the last part of the novel when the family members for whom he kills himself by not eating food or anything, so that the family members  should not get in trouble but the family members are celebrating after getting rid from this insect. All earlier relations of son or brother are over and emotions are vanished. .

Book tells a lot about writers writing skill , describing the seen and situation in particular, though we are reading the translated version but believing that it's as original as the original book it's writing impress.

Kafka's "Metamorphosis" is a unique and thought-provoking novel of its kind that describes the complexities and uncertainties of human life and encourages readers to think about the same. The novel raises questions about permanency of human’s   identity, relations with family members, society, and most specifically self-existence.

"Metamorphosis" is an excellent novel ; The novel is a powerful and influential work which leaves a lasting impact on readers.

 "Metamorphosis" is a masterpiece of 20th-century literature that continues to captivate readers with its extraordinary, timeless themes . Its unique style and thought-provoking themes make it a must-read.

Atulya