“ I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound or stab us. If the book we’re reading doesn’t wake us up with a blow to the head, what are we reading for?”
-Franz Kafka (in a letter to a friend)
I have read ‘The Metamorphosis’ by Franz Kafka a number of times and every time I read it, I find that the message it delivers hits me in a different spot. I uncover newer and deeper interpretations each time I read it.
‘The Metamorphosis ’ (‘Die Verwandlung’ in German) was written by Czech writer Franz Kafka and was first published in 1915. Dubbed one of Kafka's best-known works, ’The Metamorphosis ’ tells the story of salesman Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself mysteriously transformed into an “Ungeheures Ungeziefer” literally translating to a "monstrous vermin" or “a filthy bug”. Baffled and seemingly unable to get out of bed, he begins reflecting on his job as a traveling salesman. He is disliked by his employer and colleagues and has never been satisfied with his job. He also would have willingly given up his job, had he not been the sole breadwinner, struggling to pay off the family debts. These lines from the book precisely describe Gregor’s plight:
“If I didn’t have my parents to think about I’d have given in my notice a long time ago, I’d have gone up to the boss and told him just what I think…once I’ve got the money together to pay off my parents’ debt to him- another five or six years I suppose-That’s when I’ll make the big change.”
Throughout the story, Gregor makes several but failed attempts to communicate with his family after being metamorphosed. His voice is, “Hardly recognizable, painful and unclear,” to them. When his family finally witness his truth, they are horrified and thus refuse to accept him any longer. They start addressing him from then on as “It”.
They believe “It” must be soon done away with and so “It” is increasingly neglected by “Its's” family. “It” gets occasionally fed small amounts of rotten food and even has objects thrown at “It” which severely injure “It”. The account of “It’s” (His) struggles and fate, is what make this book an interesting read.
The novella is almost dark and disorienting, with a touch of the supernatural and mystical realm. It is so very ‘Kafkaesque’! (word coined for stories and novels within a dark human emotional spectrum).
Kafka was himself a victim of familial abuse, who was traumatized mostly emotionally and psychologically. He always wanted to escape his anguish through his writings, but was pressured to work in fields considered more aristocratic or powerful.
When Gregor Samsa wakes up and flails in bed, helpless and unable to control his life in a world defined by authority, politics and power, we see glimpses of Kafka’s own world, his struggle against his father, the world and his own shattered self worth.
Although allegorical, the story is almost nightmarish,yet not entirely unheard of or uncommon to most people. Many may even find that they can connect with or face the same situations in today’s stressful, power-driven society; where we are unable to take charge of our own desires and beliefs; where we find ourselves stuck in a continuous monotonous rut; where we may be bullied or mocked by society; or left unappreciated for the work we do. We also may feel ashamed of our appearances, sexual orientations and urges, all of which fill us with a disgust for ourselves and our worth. We too may sometimes wish to accept defeat and be squashed underfoot, like a dirty bug or vermin.
But Kafka’s message here is not one of defeat or hopelessness. It is one of struggling, despite the odds of trying to stay above the surface even if the end is to no avail. Though the literal translation of the title of the book from German means “a monstrous vermin”, the word ‘Metamorphosis’ is used to talk of the life cycle of an ugly caterpillar transforming into a beautiful butterfly. The dictionary calls it, “The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.” This tells us that, change is difficult and sometimes confusing or even a challenging process, but the outcome is always rewarding. So, no matter the pain and the struggles, believe in yourself and fight till your last breath!
Inspite of being extremely dark and disturbing, this book has endless interpretations to it and hence it is a must-read for all.
-Carolann Ruth Carrasco
Faculty, ELTIS