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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
fast-paced
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I wish I could say I enjoyed this and that it has changed my mind about Kafka- it hasn't. But I do see the value in this novella and it would certainly be an interesting one to make a study of... I just couldn't get over the giant bug situation and the fact that Kafka writes for symbolism.
I always have a problem with authors who write purely for symbolism. I don't mind symbolism at all, but I do resent having to google the Sparknotes for a story because I can't understand what it is that they were getting at! Kafka is definitely one of those writers... there hasn't been a story of his I've read that I haven't ended up googling in confusion.
I was definitely interested in Gregor's burgeoning understanding of what had happened to him. I felt so sorry for him, especially when he was injured. The poor bloke woke up to a nightmare, whether the cockroach bit was symbolic or not. I kind of took his plight as some form of mental illness or debilitating sickness in insect form... I don't know how right I am, but that was how I interpreted the story.
I also understand the actions of his family, especially if you stick to the literal meaning of the story. I can see why having your son turn into a cockroach one morning would be horrific. I can also see that having a son with a random mental illness would be awful and incomprehensible, particularly in the early 20th Century. I still didn't like them attacking him or wanting to throw him out... poor Gregor.
I didn't particularly like the translation I had, but in its defence, it cost me $3. So beggars can't be choosers!
It's a short novella but I found it rather slow going. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it was mainly down to the symbolism.
I'm sorry, Kafka, I did want to really enjoy this, and I do see what you were doing, but I just don't enjoy your style. I'll probably re-read this at some point though, as I feel like I'm missing things and want to fully comprehend the text.
I also just really, really do not like cockroaches.
I always have a problem with authors who write purely for symbolism. I don't mind symbolism at all, but I do resent having to google the Sparknotes for a story because I can't understand what it is that they were getting at! Kafka is definitely one of those writers... there hasn't been a story of his I've read that I haven't ended up googling in confusion.
I was definitely interested in Gregor's burgeoning understanding of what had happened to him. I felt so sorry for him, especially when he was injured. The poor bloke woke up to a nightmare, whether the cockroach bit was symbolic or not. I kind of took his plight as some form of mental illness or debilitating sickness in insect form... I don't know how right I am, but that was how I interpreted the story.
I also understand the actions of his family, especially if you stick to the literal meaning of the story. I can see why having your son turn into a cockroach one morning would be horrific. I can also see that having a son with a random mental illness would be awful and incomprehensible, particularly in the early 20th Century. I still didn't like them attacking him or wanting to throw him out... poor Gregor.
I didn't particularly like the translation I had, but in its defence, it cost me $3. So beggars can't be choosers!
It's a short novella but I found it rather slow going. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it was mainly down to the symbolism.
I'm sorry, Kafka, I did want to really enjoy this, and I do see what you were doing, but I just don't enjoy your style. I'll probably re-read this at some point though, as I feel like I'm missing things and want to fully comprehend the text.
I also just really, really do not like cockroaches.
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No