The Metamorphosis and the Life of Franz Kafka Essay

In his novel The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka describes his own life through the life of his protagonist Gregor Samsa. Careful study of Franz Kafkas life shows that Kafkas family, workplace, and reaction to the adversity in his family and workplace are just like those of Gregor. So we might ask why Gregor was transformed into a bug since Kafka obviously never turned into a bug. The absurd image illustrates how Gregor lacks self-respect and feels like hes a bug in the eyes of his family and society. Franz Kafka was unhappy and never found his place in life, either. Therefore, he might have felt just like Gregor, like a bug. Furthermore the novel describes Kafkas expectations of his own future and he was partially†¦show more content†¦Evan Godwin writes: [Kafkas] domineering father placed great pressure on his shy and sensitive only son to grow up into a robust businessman like himself. Gregor, too, works as a salesman because his family requires it and nee ds him to support them (Kafka, 2000). Kafka abandoned literature even though it interested him, and pursued a law degree (Godwin). But not surprisingly he struggled his entire life under the shadow of his fathers disappointment (Coulehan), presumably because he didnt do well on a job he hated. Gregor has to deal with his fathers wrath and disappointment as well when he succumbs to his emotions and can no longer work to support his family. The inability to work because he can no longer handle the stress is symbolized in the transformation into the bug, and the father has no affection for his son Gregor after he fails to overcome his transformation and go to work again (Kafka, 2001). Both Gregor and Kafka lack the strength of character to win against their fathers. Jack Coulehan writes [t]he Metamorphosis prevents the imminent rebellion of the son against the father. He also states that [s]ome of Gregors changes are generated from within. It is Gregors weakness that leads to his metamorphosis. His family exploits that weakness and see[s] hisShow MoreRelatedThe Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka1052 Words   |  4 PagesFranz Kafka wrote one of his most popular books, The Metamorphosis, during the literary period and movement of existentialism. His novella stresses many existential ideals. The most predominant ideal that is seen through Gregor Samsa and his father in The Metamorphosis is that choice is the opportune of the individual. One’s ultimate goal in life is to successfully find a balance between work and leisure. 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