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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Started with the Muirs’ translation — TBD on whether I learn German for the sole purpose of becoming a true Kafka enthusiast
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
"The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka is an iconic work that explores themes of alienation and identity through the surreal transformation of Gregor Samsa into a giant insect. Kafka's ability to evoke a deeply unsettling atmosphere and his profound philosophical insights are commendable. However, the dense prose, repetitive narrative, and lack of clear resolution may challenge some readers. While it offers much to ponder for those interested in existential questions, its unconventional style and bleak themes may not resonate with everyone, making it a significant yet potentially difficult read.
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Franchement j’ai pas eu la vision sur le livre.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Damn… Justice for Gregor! A book with a lot to say. I understand why it’s so highly regarded.
If “would you still love me if I was a worm?” was a book
Actually I have more to say than that lol. I’ve always been aware of Kafka and this book (thanks tumblr), but I never realized how applicable to current life this novella is. Dare I say Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is the voice of the recent “girlhood” phenomenon seen all over the internet.
It goes further than the connection to "would you still love me if I was a worm?." This novella is a story of the alienation and isolation of the modern age. Gregor, suddenly (and unfortunately) turned into a large beetle, must grapple with the fact that his life will never amount to anything, at the end of the day, he is a burden to his family. Sound familiar?
“Girlhood” is an ideal established on TikTok, mostly with twenty-something women trying to cling on to their childhood. Videos in this trend often detail women not wanting to do “adult” things simply because they are “just a girl.” Does this not mirror Gregor? He hates his job, but even when he wakes up as beetle, he still is anxious to make it on time. Gregor never stops to lament, “I’m just a bug” or even to ask, “why?”
The trend has evolved into other forms, such as “girl dinner.” This particular trend is videos showing of anything but actual dinner, such as cheese and crackers or even just binge-watching TV in place of a real meal. Reader, I implore you to stick with me, Gregor partakes in girl dinner himself. When his sister feeds him his favorite dish (milk with bread in it???) he can’t fathom eating it, but when she presents him with some cheese and raisins… he devours it.
Back to the original connection: “would you still love me if I was a worm?” This isn’t just a silly question girls on the internet ask their boyfriend… okay, well it is that, but it also goes a little deeper. The question wonders, “would you still love me if I was suddenly incapable of anything? Could love exist without physical affection, if I couldn’t work or provide? If I were a worm, would you keep me protected in a habitat of moist dirt and make sure I’m fed? If all my worth was that of a worm, would you love me?”
Gregor’s family tries, his sister especially. But none of them can bear the sight of him. They remark how if only he could understand them… which he can. I think this goes even further to connect with the recent mental health crisis. Gregor can’t get out of bed at the beginning of the novella, he can’t go to work anymore, he can’t speak to anyone, and he stays in his room all day. Yes, this is all because he’s been transformed into bug, but if that bug is a metaphor for mental illness…? Further, Gregor also thinks he’s trying really hard. He tries to talk to his family, tries to explain, he hides himself to make it easier on them. But nothing he does seems to have a lasting impact on their attitudes toward bug!Gregor.
At the end of the story, Gregor overhears his family deciding that’s he’s no longer Gregor anymore and they must figure out what to do. Deciding he’s far too much of a burden for his family, Gregor gives up… and then dies. I mean it’s tragic really, because throughout the novella we learn how much pride Gregor felt from providing for his family, and he was even planning on sending his sister to an expensive music conservatory. Yet as soon as he’s no longer able to do this, his family discards him. I feel like I don’t have to say much to illustrate the connections for this particular metaphor.
I fear I’ve yapped for a while about nothing, and I could go on longer, but I’ll end my nonsense there. I was kinda shocked by the feelings this novella inspired within me and enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Happy reading!
Actually I have more to say than that lol. I’ve always been aware of Kafka and this book (thanks tumblr), but I never realized how applicable to current life this novella is. Dare I say Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is the voice of the recent “girlhood” phenomenon seen all over the internet.
It goes further than the connection to "would you still love me if I was a worm?." This novella is a story of the alienation and isolation of the modern age. Gregor, suddenly (and unfortunately) turned into a large beetle, must grapple with the fact that his life will never amount to anything, at the end of the day, he is a burden to his family. Sound familiar?
“Girlhood” is an ideal established on TikTok, mostly with twenty-something women trying to cling on to their childhood. Videos in this trend often detail women not wanting to do “adult” things simply because they are “just a girl.” Does this not mirror Gregor? He hates his job, but even when he wakes up as beetle, he still is anxious to make it on time. Gregor never stops to lament, “I’m just a bug” or even to ask, “why?”
The trend has evolved into other forms, such as “girl dinner.” This particular trend is videos showing of anything but actual dinner, such as cheese and crackers or even just binge-watching TV in place of a real meal. Reader, I implore you to stick with me, Gregor partakes in girl dinner himself. When his sister feeds him his favorite dish (milk with bread in it???) he can’t fathom eating it, but when she presents him with some cheese and raisins… he devours it.
Back to the original connection: “would you still love me if I was a worm?” This isn’t just a silly question girls on the internet ask their boyfriend… okay, well it is that, but it also goes a little deeper. The question wonders, “would you still love me if I was suddenly incapable of anything? Could love exist without physical affection, if I couldn’t work or provide? If I were a worm, would you keep me protected in a habitat of moist dirt and make sure I’m fed? If all my worth was that of a worm, would you love me?”
Gregor’s family tries, his sister especially. But none of them can bear the sight of him. They remark how if only he could understand them… which he can. I think this goes even further to connect with the recent mental health crisis. Gregor can’t get out of bed at the beginning of the novella, he can’t go to work anymore, he can’t speak to anyone, and he stays in his room all day. Yes, this is all because he’s been transformed into bug, but if that bug is a metaphor for mental illness…? Further, Gregor also thinks he’s trying really hard. He tries to talk to his family, tries to explain, he hides himself to make it easier on them. But nothing he does seems to have a lasting impact on their attitudes toward bug!Gregor.
At the end of the story, Gregor overhears his family deciding that’s he’s no longer Gregor anymore and they must figure out what to do. Deciding he’s far too much of a burden for his family, Gregor gives up… and then dies. I mean it’s tragic really, because throughout the novella we learn how much pride Gregor felt from providing for his family, and he was even planning on sending his sister to an expensive music conservatory. Yet as soon as he’s no longer able to do this, his family discards him. I feel like I don’t have to say much to illustrate the connections for this particular metaphor.
I fear I’ve yapped for a while about nothing, and I could go on longer, but I’ll end my nonsense there. I was kinda shocked by the feelings this novella inspired within me and enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Happy reading!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated