The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Name: The Metamorphosis
Author: Franz Kafka

The Metamorphosis is a novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. At first, Gregor is horrified by his transformation and struggles to adjust to his new life. He is unable to go to work and is confined to his room, where he is neglected by his family. As time passes, Gregor's family begins to accept his new form and even begins to rely on him for help around the house. However, Gregor's transformation has taken a toll on his mental and physical health, and he eventually dies from exhaustion. The story ends with Gregor's family mourning his death and realizing the importance of his presence in their lives.

By Franz Kafka · First published 1915 · Genre: Absurdist Fiction, Surrealism, Existentialism · 3 chapters · 21,786 words

First lines

One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. He lay on his armour-like back, and if he lifted his head a little he could see his brown belly, slightly domed and divided by arches into stiff sections. The bedding was hardly able to cover it and seemed ready to slide off any moment. His many legs, pitifully thin compared with the size of the rest of him, waved about helplessly as he looked.

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The Metamorphosis is listed on Textopian as a novel by Franz Kafka, dated 1915 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Franz Kafka
Date: 1915 CE
Language: English
Genres: Absurdist Fiction, Surrealism, Existentialism, Modernism
Length: 21,786 words
Structure: 3 chapters, 97 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Absurdist Fiction — The Metamorphosis is a classic example of absurdist fiction, as it features a protagonist who wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a giant insect. This transformation is never explained, and the story follows the protagonist's struggles to adjust to his new life.
Surrealism — The Metamorphosis is a surrealist work, as it features a dream-like atmosphere and a protagonist who is unable to make sense of his new reality. The story is filled with surreal imagery and symbolism, and the protagonist's transformation is never explained.
Existentialism — The Metamorphosis is an existentialist work, as it explores themes of alienation, isolation, and the meaninglessness of life. The protagonist's transformation serves as a metaphor for the human condition, and the story follows his struggles to find meaning in a world that has rejected him.
Modernism — The Metamorphosis is a modernist work, as it features a fragmented narrative structure and a protagonist who is unable to make sense of his new reality. The story is filled with symbolism and explores themes of alienation and isolation.