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thespycrowreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- 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
Having just finished "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka, I'm compelled to share my thoughts on this intriguing literary work that captured my attention from the start. Introduced to me through a recommendation on my Pinterest feed and conveniently available in my eBook library, Kafka's tale proved to be a captivating exploration of the human psyche.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Abandonment
greenknightemrys's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
slow-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
goemonxiii's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- 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
Metamorphosis may not be for everybody in the sense that it's slow, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and needed to hear its message at the time. The best way I can describe the "point" of this book is that you can't wait around for people to save you regardless of your relationship with them, and in order to get better you have to take matters into your own hands and save yourself. I read this as a teenager while I was struggling with personal and family problems, and as difficult and hard as the message was, I needed to hear it. I was like Gregor Samsa in the sense that I was struggling yet wasn't getting the help I needed from my family, and it was this book that taught me that I had to be the one to take the initiative and help myself instead of waiting around for someone else to save me.
Content Warnings
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
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A fairly conceptually challenging novella from Kafka. 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.Samsa's first thought, unlike I would have thought, was not how to adapt to his transformation or how to somehow reverse it, but how he is going to manage to get to his work, which, implied by the narrator, Samsa hates. Further into the book, it is also revealed that his father went bankrupt before the events of the story, and Gregor took the role of the breadwinner to support his parents and teenage sister Grete.
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,though instead of showing sympathy, his family gradually begin to ungratefully complain that he is a burden, despite the fact that Gregor in fact provided the family with food and a roof under their heads; he was clearly struggling with this pressure already, as implied by the flashbacks and reminiscing at the start of the book.
The family begins to rent out rooms in their house to earn more money, and after the charlady neglects to close Gregor's door,(nobody ever goes in there anymore, and Gregor had been surviving on miniscule amounts of rotten food given to him by his sweet younger sister) Gregor travels to the room where his family are watching Grete play violin. The tenants catch sight of Gregor, and immediately leave, complaining that the house is unsanitary and not fit for them to stay in. This causes Grete to lose her patience, and tell her parents to get rid of "it" or they will all be "ruined."
Gregor,realising he is not wanted, returns to his room and commits suicide by starving himself; he is dead when the charlady enters his room the next day.
The familytravels to the countryside after disposing of Gregor's corpse, and think about moving to a smaller apartment. The book ends on a sardonic note, with Mr and Mrs Samsa noticing that Grete has grown into a beautiful young woman, and they must find her a husband.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
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
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I suspect this novella is a classic because each reader will draw a different conclusion as to what the story is about.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Violence, and Abandonment
thomgeg's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
A lot of this book feels like a personal attack.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror, Confinement, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Abandonment
shaleen64's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
An accessible classic that in so few words covers important issues relating to self-image, family dynamics, isolation and the value we place on others. Not quite four stars as to understand these themes you need some context from the authors own lived experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death
c_alexander's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief
luvnuit's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, and Abandonment
jsuispoesie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Entrato nell'immaginario comune come un libro bizzarro e grottesco, La metamorfosi nasconde in realtà una serie di metafore personali e universali. Gregor Samsa si risveglia un giorno trasformato in un enorme insetto (un insetto parassita ad essere precisi), ma il suo primo pensiero non è verso sé stesso, bensì verso il suo lavoro, assolutamente indispensabile per il mantenimento della famiglia. Il padre, la madre e la sorella infatti dipendono economicamente da lui.
La metamorfosi di Gregor non termina al momento del risveglio, ma continua per tutta la durata del racconto. Gregor si renderà lentamente conto di non riuscire più a parlare, a mangiare i cibi che consumava abitualmente, a guardare lontano alla finestra; con il tempo inizia a dimenticare cosa significava essere un essere umano e la cosa lo spaventa molto. Secondo me questo è dovuto allo stato di abbandono emotivo in cui viene lasciato: nonostante i tentativi della sorella di mantenere la camera pulita, nessuno ha davvero a che fare con lui, tanto che i suoi parenti stessi finiscono con non considerarlo più un (fu) essere umano. La metamorfosi però è anche quella che si presenta nell'animo e nelle azioni dei suoi parenti: da accoglienti, ma nullafacenti, diventano rabbiosi e impauriti. Dai discorsi che fanno si capisce perfettamente che essi non facevano nulla, facendo ricadere su Gregor tutto il peso del mantenimento famigliare, nonostante essi fossero in grado di contribuire economicamente.
Il gran numero di metafore che possono essere rintracciate hanno a che fare sia con la vita di Kafka (il complicato rapporto con il padre, l'impossibilità di esprimersi artisticamente...), che con una situazione più universale. Il racconto scritto nel 1912 anticipa sui tempi gli orrori della Grande Guerra, dalla quale moltissimi soldati tornano sfigurati. La metamorfosi può quindi essere vista come metafora della disabilità, del cambiamento che questi uomini conoscevano sia dal punto di vista fisico che dal punto di vista affettivo, nel momento in cui non potendo essere più "utili" (economicamente) diventavano semplicemente "mostri", guardati con sospetto e risentimento per una condizione che non potevano controllare.
Non nascondo che il racconto mi ha fatto parecchio impressione in certi passaggi, specialmente nelle parti dove vengono descritte le pene provate da Gregor, la forza della narrazione sta proprio qui: nonostante il lettore sia ripugnato da quanto legge, non può fare a meno di provare simpatia e pena per il protagonista, mettendo il lettore in una posizione molto scomoda. Come conciliare sentimenti così contrastanti? Cosa avremmo fatto noi? Siamo forse meglio dei famigliari di Gregor?
La metamorfosi di Gregor non termina al momento del risveglio, ma continua per tutta la durata del racconto. Gregor si renderà lentamente conto di non riuscire più a parlare, a mangiare i cibi che consumava abitualmente, a guardare lontano alla finestra; con il tempo inizia a dimenticare cosa significava essere un essere umano e la cosa lo spaventa molto. Secondo me questo è dovuto allo stato di abbandono emotivo in cui viene lasciato: nonostante i tentativi della sorella di mantenere la camera pulita, nessuno ha davvero a che fare con lui, tanto che i suoi parenti stessi finiscono con non considerarlo più un (fu) essere umano. La metamorfosi però è anche quella che si presenta nell'animo e nelle azioni dei suoi parenti: da accoglienti, ma nullafacenti, diventano rabbiosi e impauriti. Dai discorsi che fanno si capisce perfettamente che essi non facevano nulla, facendo ricadere su Gregor tutto il peso del mantenimento famigliare, nonostante essi fossero in grado di contribuire economicamente.
Il gran numero di metafore che possono essere rintracciate hanno a che fare sia con la vita di Kafka (il complicato rapporto con il padre, l'impossibilità di esprimersi artisticamente...), che con una situazione più universale. Il racconto scritto nel 1912 anticipa sui tempi gli orrori della Grande Guerra, dalla quale moltissimi soldati tornano sfigurati. La metamorfosi può quindi essere vista come metafora della disabilità, del cambiamento che questi uomini conoscevano sia dal punto di vista fisico che dal punto di vista affettivo, nel momento in cui non potendo essere più "utili" (economicamente) diventavano semplicemente "mostri", guardati con sospetto e risentimento per una condizione che non potevano controllare.
Non nascondo che il racconto mi ha fatto parecchio impressione in certi passaggi, specialmente nelle parti dove vengono descritte le pene provate da Gregor, la forza della narrazione sta proprio qui: nonostante il lettore sia ripugnato da quanto legge, non può fare a meno di provare simpatia e pena per il protagonista, mettendo il lettore in una posizione molto scomoda. Come conciliare sentimenti così contrastanti? Cosa avremmo fatto noi? Siamo forse meglio dei famigliari di Gregor?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Abandonment