Metamorphosis, A Haunting Novella By Franz Kafka

By Franz Kafka

Metamorphosis is a haunting novella penned by Franz Kafka, which delves into the unsettling transformation of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, into a gigantic insect. The story unfolds as Gregor wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a monstrous vermin, sending shockwaves through his already dysfunctional family. As Gregor grapples with his newfound physical form, he becomes increasingly isolated from society and struggles to reconcile his humanity with his insectoid existence. The novella serves as a profound exploration of alienation, identity, and existentialism. Through Gregor s bizarre metamorphosis, Kafka vividly portrays the psychological and emotional toll of societal expectations, familial obligations, and the overwhelming sense of being an outsider. As the narrative progresses, tensions escalate within the Samsa household, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the fragile nature of societal norms. Metamorphosis is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its surreal imagery, intricate symbolism, and profound meditations on the human condition. Kafka s masterful storytelling invites readers to contemplate the boundaries of selfhood, the nature of empathy, and the enduring quest for acceptance in a world fraught with alienation and absurdity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clube de Autores
• Release date: Apr 2, 2024

Franz Kafka

Born in Prague in 1883, the son of a self-made Jewish merchant, Franz Kafka trained as a lawyer and worked in insurance. He published little during his lifetime and lived his life in relative obscurity. He was forced to retire from work in 1917 after being diagnosed with tuberculosis, a debilitating illness which dogged his final years. When he died in 1924 he bequeathed the – mainly unfinished – manuscripts of his novels, stories, letters and diaries to his friend the writer Max Brod with the strict instruction that they should be destroyed. Brod ignored Kafka’s wishes and organised the publication of his work, including The Trial, which appeared in 1925. It is through Brod’s efforts that Kafka is now regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the twentieth century.

Book preview