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krytykesa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It surprised me how drastically I changed my mind about the main character thought the years. The man who I despised in school, now became the most relatable character. His first stress reaction was a desire to sleep it out (and inability to do so because he couldn’t turn on the right side, just like me); his work is an obligation and his social role is the one that is expected; he is depressed but he still capable to show more love and empathy than his family.
It’s a sad story and yet not “the small pathetic” man is the reason of it. School teacher was wrong. Absurd in this story is his family reaction, their domestic normalised cruelty.
Amazing work!
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Abandonment
thespycrowreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Written in a straightforward style, the novel follows the unsettling journey of Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a colossal insect. Despite the bizarre circumstances, Gregor's initial concern is for his family, setting the stage for a poignant examination of duty, sacrifice, and the human condition.
Kafka's narrative unfolds through Gregor's perspective, inviting readers to empathize with his plight as he grapples with his newfound existence. Through Gregor's eyes, we witness his struggles to maintain his humanity amidst his family's rejection and the physical challenges of his metamorphosis. One of the novel's most compelling aspects is Kafka's masterful characterization of Gregor, whose unwavering devotion to his family contrasts sharply with their gradual abandonment of him. This theme of familial obligation resonates deeply throughout the story, underscoring the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.
However, while Kafka's narrative prowess is undeniable, the novel leaves several questions unanswered, most notably the origin of Gregor's transformation and the lack of a detailed description of his insect form. These unresolved elements may leave some readers craving greater clarity and depth. Despite these shortcomings, "The Metamorphosis" remains a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Its existential themes and rich symbolism offer readers a compelling glimpse into the human experience, making it a worthy addition to any literary repertoire.
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Abandonment
greenknightemrys's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment
goemonxiii's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Eating disorder, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
buzzinfly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The story famously opens up with our protagonist, Gregor Samsa, waking up from "troubled dreams" to discover that he has transformed into a "kind of giant bug" or "monstrous vermin."
This creates an image of something like a beetle, centipede, or cockroach in the reader's mind.
After contemplating on his current situation for several hours, Gregor's boss comes to the house in person to either scold Samsa, or - the less likely option - simply to see if he was okay. After panicking, Gregor forces himself out of bed, and uses his teeth to unlock the door. His new appearance surprises his family and boss,
The family begins to rent out rooms in their house to earn more money, and after the charlady neglects to close Gregor's door,
Gregor,
The family
And what an end to the book that was. Was Gregor's metamorphosis literal, or was it something to be understood much deeper? Was it all a metaphor for work, stress, finance, or something else? Despite the novella's message being quite a mystery, Gregor's burdens and struggles seem to be pretty relatable to most readers.
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Suicidal thoughts, and Abandonment
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
katharina90's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
What stood out to me was the utter lack of care and compassion displayed by virtually all characters.
For the most part I found it heartbreaking, but there are also comical moments early on that I really appreciated. Like Georg worrying about being late to work rather than worrying about his sudden physical transformation.
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Violence, and Abandonment
thomgeg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Body horror, Confinement, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Abandonment
shaleen64's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Confinement, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death
c_alexander's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief
luvnuit's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, and Abandonment