Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, first published in 1915, has become one of the most well-known and powerful works of the 20th century. Through the story of Gregor Samsa, a sales clerk transformed into a giant insect, Kafka presents a bleak and unsettling vision of the world and individuals becoming trapped by their own circumstances and relationships. The writing is beautifully crafted and evocative, with vivid imagery and a dreamlike quality that adds to the sense of unease and confusion. At the same time, the novel is thought-provoking and intellectually challenging, as it invites readers to consider the nature of identity and the human experience. Overall, The Metamorphosis is a masterful work of literature that is both disturbing and deeply moving.
There can be different opinions to whether it should or should not be considered as a horror story. On the one hand, it does share certain obvious elements with the popular horror films and fiction, one of which is the presence of a supernatural, paranormal, or monstrous creature. In Kafka’s story, it is represented by Gregor’s large insect-like form. However, it is not a horror story in the traditional sense; the story is unsettling because it addresses fears such as isolation and alienation, which are quite naturally experienced by all people.
These natural fears and emotions are the aspects in which the story differs from the horror genre. While most of the horror films and fiction works rely on supernatural elements to frighten and unsettle the audience, Kafka does it by exploring the themes of uncertainty and loneliness of human condition. In addition to its themes and literary merits, The Metamorphosis is also notable for its unique narrative structure. The story is told from the perspective of Gregor, the main character, who is unable to communicate his thoughts and feelings directly to the reader. This creates a sense of distance and disconnection that mirrors Gregor’s own isolation and alienation. It also forces readers to rely on their own interpretations and inferences to understand what is happening in the story, adding to the overall sense of uncertainty and ambiguity.
Finally, the fact that Gregor’s transformation is never explained or fully understood adds to the story’s unsettling nature. It suggests that there may be forces at work in the world that are beyond our understanding, and that we are ultimately powerless to control our own lives. This lack of control can be deeply unsettling, as the readers may find themselves feeling frustrated and helpless, trying to make sense of Gregor’s situation. The way that Gregor is treated by his family and others around him can also be deeply disturbing. Despite the fact that he is essentially the same person he was before his transformation, the people in his life are quick to reject and mistreat him, seeing him only as a monstrous creature rather than a human being. This rejection and mistreatment can be difficult for readers to witness, and can make them question their own capacity for empathy and compassion.
Work Cited
Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Lightning Source, 2010.