Introduction
The novel Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is an exceptional example of existentialist literature. It touches on the profound alienation and isolation the main character experiences after his transformation into an insect. At the same time, it is equally valuable to consider the dehumanization of Gregor Samsa, which began even before the mysterious changes that occurred to him. The fact of a man’s isolation and deterioration in his relationship with his family members also contributes to a greater understanding of this distancing from others. Thus, the study of Kafka’s novel contributes to understanding the essential role of authentic connection and the dangers of alienation.
Analysis of Metamorphosis
First of all, it is worth noting how the main character’s physical transformation affected his dehumanization and his relationships with others. The unexpected transformation into an insect proved pivotal, creating a serious barrier to communication between Gregor and his family. The main point in these events is played by the concept that “you should do to others as you would have them do to you” (Farahmandian & Haonong, 2018, p. 339). Therefore, initially, male relatives treated him not as an insect but as a family member.
However, over time, Gregor’s external features and behavior contributed to the transformation of this interaction, and they began to perceive him as an unwanted, unpleasant insect. In this context, the question arises, “Can people tolerate and include the eccentric and the unintelligible people who could be our beloved family in their lifeworld and rational community?” (Hung, 2013, p. 438). This inquiry arises from the main character’s family abandoning him and failing to see him as a human being who deserves care and respect.
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the transformation towards the dehumanization of Gregor began long before the ill-fated day when he woke up as an insect. Hence, the author notes that the man was engaged in a monotonous job, on which he saw no progress for a long time (Kafka, 2021). Further, it can be concluded that the main character was indifferent and did not pay due attention to gaining control over his identity and purpose. Therefore, this inner state of giving up on life found external expression through a transformation into an insect that could do nothing.
Even though a picture of the ideal Samsa family is being painted for the reader, the novel’s analysis presents the opposite. There is a clear hint at the loss of human connection in Gregor’s life, as there are “temporary and constantly changing human relationships which never come from the heart” (Mukhopadhyay, 2019, p. 45). Thus, the father of the main character initially shows a reasonably high level of disinterest in his son.
On the other hand, the only family member who tried to help Gregor was his sister; however, she eventually turned her back on her brother(Kafka, 2021). Moreover, the conviction that there was no real support in the family stems from the fact that he was the family’s primary breadwinner. Therefore, it can be assumed that this cell of society was built on these financial relations.
After turning into an insect, Gregor changes his self-image, which represents the existential hero of this period in the development of literature. This is because he struggles not only to find his life’s purpose but also to foster genuine connections with the people around him. Hence, throughout the narrative, an understanding of Gregory’s feelings and how his family members are gradually losing empathy and a positive attitude toward him is provided (Patoine, 2022). Because of this, there is a constant battle in it to find the real purpose of its existence.
However, the metamorphosis of the main character marks the beginning of a transformation in his worldview, ultimately freeing him from specific societal constructs. This aspect is facilitated by the relief from the burden of expectations and responsibilities imposed on him by society and his family, which forced him to sacrifice himself and his own well-being. In addition, physical and psychological isolation from others proved healing for Gregor; he gained the opportunity to understand his life better. Having become an insect, the main character gradually rejects all attempts to regain his position in society and his desire to prove himself to his family. He fully accepts his new life, which brings him newfound freedom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kafka’s work entitled Metamorphosis highlights vital concepts that can be applied to real life. Thus, the author draws attention to the importance of authentic connection and the dangers of alienation, especially when it concerns his own values and well-being. Using the example of Gregor Samsa, the work shows how dishonest and selfish relationships gradually reveal their true nature under challenging circumstances. Moreover, the novel emphasizes that isolation and alienation towards individuals have detrimental consequences that can cause a personality crisis.
References
Farahmandian, H., & Haonong, P. (2018). Existential failure in Franz Kafka’s the Metamorphosis. Forum for World Literature Studies, 10(2), 334-341.
Hung, R. (2013). Caring about strangers: A Lingisian reading of Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 45(4), 436–447.
Kafka, F. (2021). Metamorphosis. Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd.
Mukhopadhyay, S. (2019). Human connection in the light of the writings of Karl Marx and Amartya Sen: An investigation using Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis and Manik Bandyopadhyay’s Ekannoborti. International Journal of Social Quality, 9(2), 35–57.
Patoine, P.-L. (2022). The role of empathy in literary reading: From Einfühlung to the neuroscience of embodied cognition, with the example of Kafka’s the Metamorphosis. Seminar: A Journal of Germanic Studies (Toronto), 58(1), 11–37.