Metamorphosis, The, is a famous story written by Czech author Franz Kafka. Kafka wrote “The Metamorphosis” in German. It was published in 1915 and became one of the most famous and analyzed works of fiction in modern Western literature.
“The Metamorphosis” opens with Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, discovering upon waking up in his family’s apartment that overnight he has been transformed into a giant insect. The story describes the effect of Samsa’s transformation upon his parents and his younger sister, Grete. She becomes his caretaker, feeding him and cleaning his room. Eventually she loses interest in caring for her brother. Samsa grows smaller and smaller and eventually dies, suffering from the neglect and rejection of his family and his own feelings of guilt and despair.
Although “The Metamorphosis” is a fantasy, Kafka wrote with such clarity and realistic detail that the story seems a true account of an actual situation. Samsa’s family does not seem surprised at first seeing him in insect form, though they increasingly resent him, especially his father. The family sees him as a growing burden and feels relief at his death.
There have been dozens of interpretations about the symbolic meaning, if any, of “The Metamorphosis.” Some critics state the story condemns society’s treatment of people who are different. Others claim that the story is a religious allegory or that it explores the theme of the loneliness that comes with being cut off from society.
See also Kafka, Franz.
