Haven’t we all wondered what our first thought would be if we woke up one morning and found ourselves transformed to an unidentified, beetle-like insect? No?
Anyway, that question is just one of the reasons you may want to read Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. The novella from 1915 is still being debated and there are almost as many interpretations as there are readers. Kafka himself never revealed the deeper meaning. Personally, I would like to think that – similar to Murakami – there is no right or wrong; the interpretation is entirely up to the individual reader.
The amount of essays, reviews, articles and academic papers, which have been written about this little story (60 pages on Kindle) is truly frightening. Also, The Metamorphosis has been analysed through the lens of existentialism, religion, Freudianism and… As always with the classics, I wonder how I can possibly add anything to the discussion.
So instead of a traditional review, I’ll talk about lessons learned (spoilers included).
1. There are more important things in life than work – or are there?
Pre transformation, poor Gregor Samsa was a travelling salesman, a role he despised and only had taken on to pay his parent’s debt. Being the conscientious sort, the first thing which occurs to Gregor, when he lies in bed on his armour-like back with way too many legs kicking out in different directions, is: he is going to miss his train and be late for work.
It was so absurd and I wanted to tell him, there might be more important things to worry about than work. And yet… As it turns out later, the lack of a job, the lack of a role to fulfil in the family (and in society) is the beginning of the end for Gregor.
2. If we no longer have a role to fulfil, we become an outcast
When his father went bankrupt, Gregor took over as the sole breadwinner for his parents and little sister. He therefore held a prominent role in the family.
After the transformation, his family can’t even look at him, he is isolated to his room and has to hide under the couch, when a family member occasionally enters. In the beginning his sister cleans and provides food to Gregor and in a strange way he still is part of the family. But gradually, he becomes more and more marginalised. His room isn’t cleaned anymore and is used to store random junk.
3. When we no longer fulfil a role, others step up
Gregor’s parents are relatively miserable. His father lacks self confidence, has gained weight and has become clumsy and slow. His mother suffers from serious asthma. But when Gregor can no longer work, both of them step up and take a job. And Gregor’s father gains confidence and even his appearance improves. The strain of their struggling economy still takes its toll, though.
4. If nobody cares about us, is there anything left to live for?
All the way through, Gregor’s sister has been the most supportive of him. But she goes through her own transformation during the story from child to a young woman. At first she takes on the task of looking after her brother, later she gets a proper job to support the family finances and finally she is the one who brutally, but also realistically, states it would be better for the family, if Gregor was gone. Gregor’s life had been going downhill for a while, with him being injured (his father threw apples at him) and stopping to move, stopping to eat, but this gives him the final push.
5. When we have become a burden on others, they may move on when we are no longer there
This was perhaps the saddest part, rather bitter sweet. When Gregor is no longer around, the family takes a day off, the sun is shining, they talk and enjoy each others company. The economic situation can be resolved and the future suddenly looks brighter. I wonder if that’s how the author felt about his own existence? I hope not.
6. Life is absurd – deal with it!
The underlying sadness in The Metamorphosis is counteracted by the absurd humour. Nobody questions the transformation. Gregor himself ponders on a strategy to get out of bed so he can get to work (a beetle has a different equilibrium than a human, hence turning around when one is lying on ones back is not as straightforward as one might wish). Gregor’s family is shocked and sad about loosing a family member. But nobody mentions, how strange and unlikely the transformation is. That is a lesson in itself: Life may throw a lot of weird shit upon you, best just to get on with it.
Title: The Metamorphosis [1915] Author: Franz Kafka Format: eBook Genre: Classics
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What I learned from Great Expectations
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I like A LOT the idea of sharing your view on a book by outlining the lessons learnt!
I think I read “The Metamorphosis” when I was quite young (beginning of high school – ish) and it did not impress me because I did not understand much … I have to find my inner bravery to read it again while being adult, I’m sure it would have another impact 🙂
Ah, I’m glad you liked it! 😀 Wow, you read The Metamorphosis in high school! It wouldn’t have occurred to me to pick it up back then and presumably, I wouldn’t really get it. Hopefully, you get chance to reread at some point, I definitely found it worthwhile – and it’s a short book. 🙂
It is on my re-reading list! I am looking for a more relaxed period in my life to take on the challenge – despite being short, I think it has the potential to raise many questions about life and being, in general.
Good to hear! I think, you are right – best to read it at a time, where you can give it full attention. For me the summer is perfect for books like this, because work normally slows down.
I think the last point about the absurdity of life, rather, an extremely mundane or null philosophical treatment of even the most abrupt of changes is something that really strikes me about Kafka (is it a literary device that I do not know the name of?). Nobody goes into the whys and everybody is just dealing with the outcome of the whole situation.
Interesting point. I haven’t actually read other Kafka novels, so I can’t really compare. But I guess his characters unconsciously accepts absurdity of life as the fundamental condition, which fits well with Camus and the existentialists (I imagine having read that Camus was inspired by Kafka).
I love the insight you gave into the story. I’m not always so good at finding the deeper meanings in novels but you gave some interesting points here!
Thanks Inge, I wouldn’t say I’m good at finding the deeper meaning either. I just write what occurs to me when reading – other people might have a completely different opinion! 😀
What a great review, it made me interested in the book. Wonderful how many meanings can be hidden in such a small book.
Thanks! 😀 The even more wonderful thing is, if you ask someone else who’ve read the book, he/she might have found completely different meanings!
Ha, I love your reviewing style! So many lessons from such a short book – impressive! I fear however that the shortness is the only bit of it that appeals to me – the absurd never attracts me, although you do make it sound bearable…
I promise, I’ll go back to writing normal reviews at some point – at the moment most of the posts are a bit alternative, hopefully I won’t scare away my few readers 😉
No, if you are not keen on the absurd, you should definitely stay away from Kafka. For me he links nicely into my interest in existentialism and philosophy.
I loved reading your take on the famous classic. Never really thought about it in terms of lessons learnt. I think I’m going to use this strategy next time I’m reading a book.
Thanks so much! I like to vary my review style a bit from time to time. Obviously, some books lend themselves better to this approach than others, but if you read a book, which makes you think a lot, you should try it. 🙂
I enjoyed your pragmatic analysis of this much confusing book, Stargazer! I took some lessons away from reading your thoughts! I read this one in college and remember the existential conversations. I think it was in a philosophy class, so that was common talk. I should read it again and see where my thoughts lie now. Thank you for the terrific post!
Thanks Jennifer! 😀 I am quite impressed by people who read this in school. It’s not a difficult read, but I think it may be more meaningful, when you are a bit more mature. Oh, you had philosophy classes in college? I would have loved that!!
Wow, your post moved me. Those are things I tend not to think about when I don’t feel strong enough. I should add the book to my TBR for a good day xx
Aww, I am glad to hear that. Yes, it’s certainly not a feel good book, but it’s one of those which may make you ponder about life. 🙂
I love the structure of this review (you’ve been on a role lately!!!) and I definitely appreciate that you broke it down like this. I’ve only ready The Trial and have been meaning to give the rest of his work a try in the future and I should really push it up higher on my priorities. Thanks for sharing this with us! 😀
Haha, next week I’ll go back to normal reviews, at least for a short while. I wonder if I remember how to do that? 🤔 Ah, I definitely want to read The Trial at some point in the future. I hope it can live up to The Metamorphosis. You are welcome 😀
Brilliant, Stargazer! I love your originality with all these posts 😊 I can’t see myself ever reading this one; I’m too much of a wimp! I would be stymied by my fear and grief for the poor man-turned-beetle and all else would lost on me 😣 That said, some of the lessons you’ve drawn from this odd little classic are definitely food for thought. You’re giving me plenty to think about these days! 😄
Awww thanks. Summer is the perfect time for me to write. It’s less busy at work and I have more energy in the evenings. Just wait and see – in Oct we are back to mini-reviews and WWW Wednesday again. 🙄😆 Yes, it is a horrific destiny for the poor man, so I completely understand you. I was glad, there was some humour to soften it up. My favourite kind of books always make me think. I’m glad if I can convey a bit of that to other people.
This is…wow! I haven’t read Metamorphosis yet – okay I STARTED reading it but then…well…lost interest…🤣 But your post has definitely inspired me to take it up again! LOOOVVEDD LOOVEEDDD THIS POST SOO SOOO MUCHH, Star! 😍😍😇🦋
Haha, I see what you mean! The Metamorphosis is definitely not for everyone, perhaps a tad too weird? But I’m glad you liked the post, and if you never get through the book, rest assured that I summarised the main points. Ahem. At least what I see as the main points. 🙄😆
Awww!! You REALLY did a VERY thorough job with this post, Star! I LOVED IT!! 😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️
😊🤗🤗🤗
Love all of Kafka’s writing. I think you have it nailed down with number 6. Cheers!
Good to hear. The Metamorphosis was my first attempt at Kafka, but it won’t be my last. Yup, I believe that is a key point. Thanks for stopping by! 😀