The Metamorphosis
Novel
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Franz Kafka
The Metamorphosis Main Text
Metamorphosis
by Franz Kafka
Translated by David Wyllie
I
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...
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The Metamorphosis Summary
Background
Franz Kafka wrote The Metamorphosis (Die Verwandlung) in 1912, and it was first published in 1915. The inspiration for this work came from Kafka’s personal life, filled with sorrow and inner conflict. In particular, his strained relationship with his father and his experiences of alienation in modern urban life became the central foundation of the novella. His only close bond was with h...
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The Metamorphosis Theme
Themes
Alienation and Loneliness: The most important theme in the novella is alienation. After Gregor Samsa transforms into an insect, he becomes separated not only from his family but also from society. Once, he had been the family’s main breadwinner, someone everyone relied upon. After his transformation, he is hidden away, locked in his room. No one talks to him anymore. Even his beloved siste...
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The Metamorphosis Character
Major Characters
Gregor Samsa: The central character of the novella. A traveling salesman (commercial traveler) who, one morning, suddenly transforms into a monstrous insect. Although he was the family’s main breadwinner, after his transformation, he became useless in the eyes of both family and society. His character symbolizes modern man’s alienation, self-sacrifice, helplessness, and dehuman...
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The Metamorphosis Literary Device
Figures of Speech
Irony: Irony occurs when the expected outcome and the actual situation are completely opposite. In the case of Gregor Samsa, the irony lies in the fact that he sacrificed his own dreams for years and worked tirelessly for his family. He labored day and night to support everyone. But when he became helpless, it was his family who rejected him. Even in his death, they did not m...
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The Metamorphosis Quotations
Quotes
“Oh, God… what a strenuous career it is that I’ve chosen!” – (The Metamorphosis – Gregor Samsa, Part I)
Explanation (English): Gregor feels trapped in his job as a salesman. His work is full of stress, pressure, and no joy. It shows his early suffering even before his transformation.
“We have to try and get rid of it.” – (The Metamorphosis – Grete Samsa, Part II)
Explanation (English): Gr...
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Notes
Explore 16 detailed notes related to The Metamorphosis. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.