The Metamorphosis by Kafka is a complex work that explores multiple themes. I read it, however, as a work that exposes an ugly and painful side of society, where its members are generally cast aside, neglected, degraded, and ultimately destroyed when they have ceased to be of use. In the small societal unit of a family, there is no exception. The people we love, adore, and respect can become hateful and loathsome to us with changed circumstances.
In the story, Gregor Samsa suddenly finds himself transformed into an insect. In his human life, he had been the sole provider for his parents and sister. So, he had been well loved and respected. However, this unexpected misfortune that befalls him draws a barricade between him and his family. The story deals with the sufferings and indignation that both sides endure as a result. Kafka has deliberately chosen this surreal story to convey his message more powerfully. It is a painful reminder for us of how we can become socially alienated and a castoff once we are of no use or importance to society. It also shows how fragile and inadequate our status is in society, that it can sorely change with circumstances.
With this, Kafka returns to his famous themes of isolation and the absurdity of life. He questions the purpose of our existence, what its meaning is. Why do we drag through this journey called life, if its purpose is that we’d be used and then be cast off as a nonentity? Can we live for ourselves, all alone, alienated from society? Gregor’s ultimate death questions whether we can survive such alienation. Gregor’s metamorphosis also raises the question of identity. It looks like our social identity is a fleeting one, depending on what we can do for others.
The Metamorphosis, to some extent, can be read as autobiographical. In the story, Gregor becomes insignificant in his father’s eyes when his human form is changed to an insect. Kafka is said to have received the same treatment from his overbearing father. They had a strained relationship. Kafka always felt that he was inadequate and insignificant in his father’s eyes. Did he really think his father saw him as insignificant as an insect?
It was a good read. The story is both humorous and tragic. The psychological portrayal of the characters was particularly interesting. Kafka’s stories are quite out of the ordinary. And The Metamorphosis is a good example of that.
Rating: 4/5
