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jacksanders02 's review for:
Metamorphosis and Other Stories
by Franz Kafka
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A delightful anthology of Franz Kafka's greatest short stories, Metamorphosis and Other Stories perfectly showcases Kafka's literary range, from ironic commentaries with dots of dry humour (e.g. A Hunger Artist) to absurdist tales such as In the Penal Colony.
However, the jewel in the crown is naturally the titular Metamorphosis. Kafka writes Gregor, the sole breadwinner of his family, as a character for whom one can't help but feel sympathy. After coming to terms - remarkably quickly - with his physical transformation into a "monstrous cockroach" (according to the Hoffmann translation), the story focuses on Gregor's mental transformation. Kafka shows two elements to this second transformation: the state of Gregor's surroundings, which gradually morph as his mental state matches his physical presentment closer and closer; and his treatment by his family.
However, the jewel in the crown is naturally the titular Metamorphosis. Kafka writes Gregor, the sole breadwinner of his family, as a character for whom one can't help but feel sympathy. After coming to terms - remarkably quickly - with his physical transformation into a "monstrous cockroach" (according to the Hoffmann translation), the story focuses on Gregor's mental transformation. Kafka shows two elements to this second transformation: the state of Gregor's surroundings, which gradually morph as his mental state matches his physical presentment closer and closer; and his treatment by his family.