Metamorphosis by Joyce Kilmer (1915)
The protagonist undergoes a physical transformation from human to insect, losing his identity and sense of self. His family struggles to cope with the change, highlighting their own emotional and psychological states. The story explores themes of alienation, isolation, and the absurdity of modern life.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Modernism · 76 words
First lines
He was an evil thing to see -- / Of joy his mouth was desolate, / His body was a stunted tree, / His eyes were pools of lust and hate.
Now silverly the linnet sings / On leaves that from his temples start / And gay the yellow crocus springs / From the rich clod that was his heart.
What this Textopian page supports
Metamorphosis is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1915 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Modernism, Nature, Dark Fantasy
- Length: 76 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Metamorphosis by Joyce Kilmer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Symbolism — The imagery and themes convey deeper meanings through symbols, such as the transformation of the character.
- Modernism — The themes reflect modernist concerns with identity and existentialism.
- Nature — Nature imagery is prevalent, contrasting the character's inner turmoil with the beauty of the natural world.
Tags
Transformation · Identity Crisis · Coming-of-Age · Psychological Insight · Symbolism · Allegory · Existentialism · Philosophical · Literary Fiction · Short Story · Novella · Absurdism