Reviews

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Only show reviews with written explanations

erinlcrane's review against another edition

3.0

Felt like this could be a metaphor for physical illness/disability or depression and society/family reaction to it, but I didn’t see that as a common interpretation when I looked it up.

thetortureofvinther's review against another edition

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emotional funny mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

clara7's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

agenericmirkwoodelf's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bearrigan's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Early on I made the connection of the transformation to a bug as symbolism for depression and the internal and external pressures that society puts on us and how we respond to it. I also think the symbolism of the bug is tied to the revulsion that bugs bring especially when found in our own homes. They are pest, something to get rid of, not nurture. The same can be said for people's reaction to the mentally ill- they are a source of shame, something to tuck away until the problem resolves itself.

From the beginning it was clear that Gregor’s value was tied to his ability to work and without his value there was no more room for love or common decency. The moments that reminded me of depression was the not being able to recognize yourself, the shame that comes along with it, isolation, loss of appetite, and not finding joy in things you used to. Not only did this explore the Internal battle of depression but how those around us react to it. A lot of families like to isolate and refuse to try and understand their mentally ill loved ones. Gregor’s family wanted the bug to go back to being their son and brother but they stopped treating him as such as soon as he was faced with an obstacle.

The saddest part for me was that Gregor never stopped wanting to provide or help accommodate his family to his struggles despite their progressive neglect.

This is a timeless classic that shows how little we have grown as a society. Mental health is still a taboo subject for most and will only get better with open and honest conversations