Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Posthuman

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Posthuman Change in a Postmodernist World: Gregor Samsa's Transformation in the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

In the story the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, readers are confronted with the sudden transformation of the seemingly normal character of Gregor Samsa. Prior to his metamorphosis, Samsa is a typical individual working for his family, a somewhat selfless individual who struggles and sacrifices for the survival of his family. However, when his transformation occurred, numerous "truths" were revealed to him. First is that his family, whom he loved and sacrificed for dearly, were not willing to make the same sacrifice for him when he needed their understanding as he morphed from being a human to being a roach. Second, he realized that he will only continue to evolve, and that there is no turning back or no way to transform him back as a human. And lastly, he came to acknowledge that in his metamorphosis, he will either embrace the change and thrive in it, or reject this change and, like before, sacrifice himself and choose death instead. The story ended with Samsa choosing the latter option.

While the Metamorphosis is considered classic literature, it has the characteristics of a science fiction, which can be considered revolutionary and innovative in Kafka's time. What makes Kafka's work a strong illustration of science fiction is that Samsa experienced "posthuman" change, a term that demonstrates the "fast acceleration of human change," giving humanity a glimpse of the future in the present time (Clarke, 2005, p. 170). The metamorphosis by itself reflects the principle of science fiction, which takes into account "what if" scenarios into the future: what if indeed, humanity eventually evolves to creatures like Samsa, roaches that are generally detested by humanity itself?

In addition to accelerated posthuman changes, Kafka's work is considered science fiction work because it also subsists to the principles of postmodernism, wherein the concept of "Being" is continuously asked, interpreted, challenged, and re-interpreted again (Johansen, 2005, p. 4). Combining the elements of posthuman change and postmodernist thought in the Metamorphosis, it can be said that indeed, Kafka had developed a work of science fiction well before the genre has gained popularity in the literature world.

Specific events in the story reflect this posthuman and postmodernist change in form and thought of the individual, characterized by Samsa. The first incident of posthuman change and acceptance was when Samsa's family had just discovered his metamorphosis. While Samsa questioned his transformation at first, after some time, he felt comfortable with the change himself: "…for the first time that day, he began to feel alright with his body…and he soon was believing that all his sorrows would soon be finally at an end." This reflects posthuman change and postmodern thought, wherein Samsa actually becomes receptive to the idea that he has changed and his metamorphosis could be a possible relief from all the "sorrows" he is experiencing. Another example of postmodern thought is reflected this time by Samsa's doubts and confusion over his metamorphosis. His family's rejection of his metamorphosis hurt him and made him question the acceptability of his posthuman, transformed self as well: "…as a family there was a duty to swallow any revulsion for him and to be patient…" Symbolically, the revulsion his family felt demonstrates that in undergoing posthuman change and postmodern thought, institutions such as the family will no longer be significant and would in fact, be questioned as to their function to the changing individual. Lastly, another postmodernist thought challenged and defeated Samsa in the end. His decision to just die and reject his transformation indicated that as an individual, he is not yet ready for this posthuman, postmodern change in his life. He is highly dependent on the status quo, that, despite his sufferings, there is comfort in experiencing the normal than the fantastic or 'abnormal' in the eyes of society.