KAFKA'S METAMORPHOSIS
THE USE of SYMBOLISM in FRANZ KAFKA'S
"THE METAMORPHOSIS"
According to Nahum N. Glatzer, philosopher Albert Camus once said that "the whole of Kafka's art consists in compelling the reader to re-read him," and since the interpretations of Kafka are many, this inevitably leads to a return to the story itself "in the hope of finding guidance from within" (35). This internal "guidance" is related to many elements of fiction, such as metaphor, characterization, plot and theme, yet with a single reading of Kafka's the Metamorphosis, written during late November and early December of 1912 and published in October of 1915, one can easily recognize that the use of symbolism is the dominant trait and "guidance" for the reader, due to Kafka's extraordinary ability to transcend reality and create a world that could only exist in the realms of the supernatural or the human subconscious mind.
Essayist Eliseo Vivas in "Kafka's Distorted Mask," points out that Kafka's use of artistic symbols, i.e. symbolic metaphors, are similar in nature to masks which act as shields from reality. "The light which rests on the distorted mask" is Truth, but "the mask on which it shines. . . is distorted" by Truth or, in Kafka's case, symbolism (Gray, 143). Thus, in the Metamorphosis, symbolism runs rampant and can be sensed in many of the character's traits, personalities and actions as well as in the descriptions related to plot scenes and physical objects.
In the very first paragraph of the Metamorphosis, Kafka relates that Gregor Samsa, the main protagonist in the tale, "awoke one morning" and "found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect" with an "armoured-plated back. . . (a) domelike brown belly divided into stiff arch segments. . ." And "numerous legs. . . pitifully thin" which "waved helplessly before his eyes" (89). Robbie Batson views the symbolism in this description as being biographical in nature, for instead of referring to the theme, Kafka is symbolizing certain aspects of his personal life and in doing so, "leaves a simple story that stands only for an objective view of his own thoughts and dreams" with a focus upon "a single character that symbolizes himself and his life. . . " ("Kafka/Samsa," Internet).
Although Batson's view may be valid, Kafka's transformation of an ordinary man into what sounds like a cockroach contains much symbolism related to society and culture. Gregor Samsa obviously sees himself as nothing but a low-life, low-paid traveling salesman with no future or financial prospects; after all, he lives with his parents in a small, cramped apartment, much like an unborn insect in a cocoon. Yet his insect-like appearance does greatly upset his family and his boss which indicates that Gregor Samsa, at least from his perspective, is indeed an insect.
But Kafka skillfully relates to the reader that when Gregor emerges from his bedroom, the expressions of horror and shock on the faces of his parents and employer may not be due to Gregor looking like an insect. Symbolically, Gregor is now some kind of misfit trapped in a world which he never made which is supported by his statement, "What has happened to me?. . . It was no dream" (89).
Johannes Pfeiffer, writing in a critical essay on the Metamorphosis, views Gregor Samsa's transformation as a type of "magic realism," meaning that objects, such as Samsa, "are presented with such a. . . wealth of detail. . . that they are constantly turned into something unreal or more than real" (Gray, 53). Of course, "magic realism" is most closely linked to the so-called "Black Arts" and the practice of witchcraft, both of which rely very heavily on symbols to express thoughts and ideas. Symbolically, Gregor Samsa, in the guise of a gigantic insect, is "cut off by this mysterious transformation from all community with other men" and does not realize...
Food in Kafka's Metamorphosis Food in Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis serves a narrative function and a symbolic function as well. After all, Gregor Samsa's family is seated down to an ordinary bourgeois breakfast at the time when Gregor is awakening from his uneasy dreams: this seems like ordinary narrative but it also establishes the centrality of food to bourgeois family life. To this extent, we should not be surprised that the
This is where the conflict between the asserting individual and the conventional society emerges, leaving the individual in isolation if he persists in asserting himself. Annotated bibliography Sandner, David. Fantastic literature: a critical reader. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2004. In this analysis of what he terms as 'fantastic literature,' Sandner looks into the transition of 'realities' in Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis. This transition of realities is the shift from the supernatural to
This puts her in the prison of love towards Michael despite him being dead. Therefore, the two stories indicate the aspect of how routine affects the characters lives. Moreover, there is a significant similarity in their use of language and writing styles. The two writers use symbolism in the narration of their tales. In the Metamorphosis by Kafka, the major symbolism is the metamorphosis of Gregor into the insect (Kafka
Symbolism of the 'Self' in Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" In the domain of modern literature, particularly in 20th century literature, Franz Kafka ranks as one of the most revolutionary writer, who used the techniques of expressionism and symbolism to discuss the theme of the "Self" of an individual and his/her integration in the society. Franz Kafka's experience as a writer had been influenced by his experiences in his family life and as
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Why did Vladimir Nabokov -- a brilliant, respected and often-quoted novelist, best known perhaps for his classic novel, Lolita -- do a razor-sharp editing job on Kafka's The Metamorphosis? And what is the meaning and the motivation behind Nabokov's intervention into the classic Kafka short story? This paper reviews Kafka's iconic short story and delves into the way in which Nabokov has editorially changed the direction and
Kafka's the Metamorphosis Question # 3.) In this topic, discuss the symbolism in Kafka's "Metamorphosis." For instance, one of the most important images is the window and its relationship to Gregor's vision. There are also other equally important symbols too, like music, furniture, the apple, and Gregor's insect body. In this topic, analyze how Kafka uses symbolic objects and images to convey Gregor's pain and suffering. You can also connect
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