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Description
Table of contents
Biographical note
Excerpt
User Reviews
Metamorphosis, written by Franz Kafka was published in 1915. It is a poignant and haunting novella that explores themes of alienation, identity and the absurdity of existence. The element of uncanniness in its theme makes it stand out. The story is of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect-like creature.
The physical transformation of Gregor serves as a metaphor for his profound psychological and emotional alienation from society and his own family. As he struggles with the torment and challenges of his new and eerie form, he becomes increasingly isolated and desperate. Kafka’s vivid and disconcerting descriptions depict Gregor’s struggle to adapt to his insect-like body and the impact it has on his relationships and sense of self.
The novella delves into the themes of familial duty and the fragility of human connections. Gregor’s family initially responds to his transformation with shock and horror, but their reactions gradually shift towards resentment and indifference. They view him as a burden and gradually distance themselves from him, highlighting the fickle nature of human empathy and the strain that societal expectations can place on familial relationships.
Kafka’s prose is characterized by its precise and concise style, creating a sense of unease and detachment. The narrative’s close and enervating atmosphere intensifies the reader’s experience of Gregor’s isolation and the absurdity of his predicament. Kafka’s use of dark humour and irony adds depth to the story, exposing the shallowness of human existence and the often irrational nature of societal norms.
Metamorphosis is a reflection on the human condition and the existential crises that individuals face when confronted with a loss of identity and purpose. It serves as a critique of societal pressures and expectations, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of conformity and the difficulty of finding authentic connections in a world governed by appearances.
The novella’s open-ended conclusion invites interpretation and contemplation, leaving readers with a sense of lingering unease. Metamorphosis remains a pivotal work of literature that continues to haunt readers with its unconventional theme and surprising revelation of the human psyche. The work acts like a profound commentary on the complex state and workings of the human mind. Kafka’s exploration of alienation, identity and the intricacies of existence ensures that this novella maintains its stature as a thought-provoking and everlasting piece of literature.
Metamorphosis, written by Franz Kafka was published in 1915. It is a poignant and haunting novella that explores themes of alienation, identity and the absurdity of existence. The element of uncanniness in its theme makes it stand out. The story is of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect-like creature.
The physical transformation of Gregor serves as a metaphor for his profound psychological and emotional alienation from society and his own family. As he struggles with the torment and challenges of his new and eerie form, he becomes increasingly isolated and desperate. Kafka’s vivid and disconcerting descriptions depict Gregor’s struggle to adapt to his insect-like body and the impact it has on his relationships and sense of self.
The novella delves into the themes of familial duty and the fragility of human connections. Gregor’s family initially responds to his transformation with shock and horror, but their reactions gradually shift towards resentment and indifference. They view him as a burden and gradually distance themselves from him, highlighting the fickle nature of human empathy and the strain that societal expectations can place on familial relationships.
Kafka’s prose is characterized by its precise and concise style, creating a sense of unease and detachment. The narrative’s close and enervating atmosphere intensifies the reader’s experience of Gregor’s isolation and the absurdity of his predicament. Kafka’s use of dark humour and irony adds depth to the story, exposing the shallowness of human existence and the often irrational nature of societal norms.
Metamorphosis is a reflection on the human condition and the existential crises that individuals face when confronted with a loss of identity and purpose. It serves as a critique of societal pressures and expectations, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of conformity and the difficulty of finding authentic connections in a world governed by appearances.
The novella’s open-ended conclusion invites interpretation and contemplation, leaving readers with a sense of lingering unease. Metamorphosis remains a pivotal work of literature that continues to haunt readers with its unconventional theme and surprising revelation of the human psyche. The work acts like a profound commentary on the complex state and workings of the human mind. Kafka’s exploration of alienation, identity and the intricacies of existence ensures that this novella maintains its stature as a thought-provoking and everlasting piece of literature.
Franz Kafka lived from 1883 to 1924. He was a German writer hailing from Czech origin and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of modern literature. His works are often characterized by their insightful and introspective nature. The poignant bearings of his composition have had a profound impact on the literary world and continue to influence readers even today.
Kafka’s writing explores themes of alienation, guilt, bureaucracy and the absurdity of human existence. His works often feature protagonists who find themselves trapped in nightmarish situations or are in the midst of insurmountable obstacles. Kafka’s narratives blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy, creating a sense of restlessness in the reader’s mind, dragging them into the heat of the turmoil and struggle.
One of Kafka’s most famous works is the novella The Metamorphosis, in which the protagonist wakes up transformed into an insect-like creature. This story, with its exploration of identity and isolation, is emblematic of Kafka’s overarching themes and style. Other notable works include The Trial, The Castle and A Hunger Artist, each delving into the complexities of human psychology and societal dynamics.
Kafka’s prose is characterized by its precision, introspection and attention to the minutest detail of everyday life. His writing style often brings out the absurdity and ambiguity of his characters’ experiences, evoking a sense of existential anxiety and a feeling of being trapped in an incomprehensible world. Kafka’s use of symbolism and metaphor invites multiple interpretations, allowing his works to resonate with readers on a deeply personal and universal level.
Although Kafka’s works were not widely recognized during his lifetime, his posthumous publications received significant attention and acclaim and established him as a literary icon. His writing has influenced generations of authors, thinkers and literary circles, inspiring the development of the ‘Kafkaesque’ label, used to describe situations or experiences marked by absurdity, confusion and a lack of control.
Franz Kafka’s legacy is one of deep literary insights and exploration of the state of mind in man in general. His works continue to provoke contemplation and evoke conventional and unconventional interpretations. Kafka’s unique blend of surrealism, psychological depth and social criticism make him an influential figure in the realm of modern literature, leaving a lasting impact on literary and philosophical discourse.
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Also from Trove
1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
2. Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw
3. The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
4. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
5. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
6. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
8. A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man by James Joyce
9. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
10. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
11. Moby Dick or The Whale by Melville Herman
12. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
13. Animal Farm by George Orwell
14. Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne
15. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
16. She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith
17. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
18. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
19. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
20. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
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Metamorphosis
by
Franz Kafka
Newgen Knowledge Works Offices
Chennai Pondicherry Pune Kottayam Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Leipzig (Germany) Amsterdam (Netherlands) Stroud (UK) Texas (USA)
First published in 1915 by Kurt Wolff Verlag in Leipzig
This book has been inspired from the original version of Metamorphosis first published in 1915, available in the public domain. Due care and diligence have been taken while bringing out this edition; neither the author nor the publishers of the book hold any responsibility for any mistake that may have inadvertently crept in. The publishers shall not be liable for any direct, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of the book.
© Trove Books Edition, 2023
Paperback ISBN: 978-93-5878-031-4
eBook ISBN: 978-93-5878-022-2
WebPDF: 978-93-5878-037-6
Published by
Trove Books
Imprint of M/S Newgen KnowledgeWorks (P) Ltd
2/579, Singaravelan Street
Chinna Neelankarai
Chennai – 600 041
India
Call: 91-72002 58368
About the Author
Franz Kafka lived from 1883 to 1924. He was a German writer hailing from Czech origin and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of modern literature. His works are often characterized by their insightful and introspective nature. The poignant bearings of his composition have had a profound impact on the literary world and continue to influence readers even today.
Kafka’s writing explores themes of alienation, guilt, bureaucracy and the absurdity of human existence. His works often feature protagonists who find themselves trapped in nightmarish situations or are in the midst of insurmountable obstacles. Kafka’s narratives blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy, creating a sense of restlessness in the reader’s mind, dragging them into the heat of the turmoil and struggle.
One of Kafka’s most famous works is the novella The Metamorphosis, in which the protagonist wakes up transformed into an insect-like creature. This story, with its exploration of identity and isolation, is emblematic of Kafka’s overarching themes and style. Other notable works include The Trial, The Castle and A Hunger Artist, each delving into the complexities of human psychology and societal dynamics.
Kafka’s prose is characterized by its precision, introspection and attention to the minutest detail of everyday life. His writing style often brings out the absurdity and ambiguity of his characters’ experiences, evoking a sense of existential anxiety and a feeling of being trapped in an incomprehensible world. Kafka’s use of symbolism and metaphor invites multiple interpretations, allowing his works to resonate with readers on a deeply personal and universal level.
Although Kafka’s works were not widely recognized during his lifetime, his posthumous publications received significant attention and acclaim and established him as a literary icon. His writing has influenced generations of authors, thinkers and literary circles, inspiring the development of the ‘Kafkaesque’ label, used to describe situations or experiences marked by absurdity, confusion and a lack of control.
Franz Kafka’s legacy is one of deep literary insights and exploration of the state of mind in man in general. His works continue to provoke contemplation and evoke conventional and unconventional interpretations. Kafka’s unique blend of surrealism, psychological depth and social criticism make him an influential figure in the realm of modern literature, leaving a lasting impact on literary and philosophical discourse.
About the Book
Metamorphosis, written by Franz Kafka was published in 1915. It is a poignant and haunting novella that explores themes of alienation, identity and the absurdity of existence. The element of uncanniness in its theme makes it stand out. The story is of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect-like creature.
The physical transformation of Gregor serves as a metaphor for his profound psychological and emotional alienation from society and his own family. As he struggles with the torment and challenges of his new and eerie form, he becomes increasingly isolated and desperate. Kafka’s vivid and disconcerting descriptions depict Gregor’s struggle to adapt to his insect-like body and the impact it has on his relationships and sense of self.
The novella delves into the themes of familial duty and the fragility of human connections. Gregor’s family initially responds to his transformation with shock and horror, but their reactions gradually shift towards resentment and indifference. They view him as a burden and gradually distance themselves from him, highlighting the fickle nature of human empathy and the strain that societal expectations can place on familial relationships.
Kafka’s prose is characterized by its precise and concise style, creating a sense of unease and detachment. The narrative’s close and enervating atmosphere intensifies the reader’s experience of Gregor’s isolation and the absurdity of his predicament. Kafka’s use of dark humour and irony adds depth to the story, exposing the shallowness of human existence and the often irrational nature of societal norms.
Metamorphosis is a reflection on the human condition and the existential crises that individuals face when confronted with a loss of identity and purpose. It serves as a critique of societal pressures and expectations, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of conformity and the difficulty of finding authentic connections in a world governed by appearances.
The novella’s open-ended conclusion invites interpretation and contemplation, leaving readers with a sense of lingering unease. Metamorphosis remains a pivotal work of literature that continues to haunt readers with its unconventional theme and surprising revelation of the human psyche. The work acts like a profound commentary on the complex state and workings of the human mind. Kafka’s exploration of alienation, identity and the intricacies of existence ensures that this novella maintains its stature as a thought-provoking and everlasting piece of literature.
