Critical analysis - By: Anna Petrescu

Metamorphosis, is an exceptionally a provocative piece that was written by Franz Kafka. From the time it was published, the book has weathered generations and overcome fiery criticism from established literally icons and eventual rejection by historians. However, despite all the up and downs, the book has been affecting human race positively.
Virtually, the grotesque and the unknown are exposed where the author brings in the elements of disharmony. Thus as in this work, conflict is superbly injected in order to build disharmony around Gregor and all those around him, to the point that, he Gregor becomes an object of scorn. Hence, this brings as to the point that, Gregors family was not dysfunctional even before he changed into an insect, equally he was selfish too.
The grotesque is exemplified by Gregor, where he mutates and changed into a bug. Though this incident is bizarre, it defines the characters moral instability. More so, it creates the real elements of metamorphosis or the perceived changes that affected Gregor making him to something else. Thus, he creates a horror like situation that is mystifying and provoking.

The book spunned through a web of intricate social perception presents a dynamic challenge, where the reader is subjected to developed unchallenged opinion between reality and the truth. More so, the presented alternatives equally are obscurely challenging. All in all, the universality of this work has made it to be viewed by critics as Kafka self appointed truth, whose foundation only he only who can singularly establish.
Thus, for the characters to overcome the unknown and grotesque the author weaved a tight crisis, which saw the conflicting elements surrounding Gregor, his parents among other alienate the, he Gregor after it became certain that, their lifeline has collapsed. Therefore adoption to various economic chores, the characters can be said to have contained the fear of the unknown and more so accepted the reality of Gregors situation.
His mother loved him dearly, hence her "Oh dear," cried his mother, in tears, "perhaps he's terribly ill and we're tormenting him.”, from this angle it is apparent that ,if the story was told from her point of view Gregor would have died a hero, this can be attributed to the fact that, as a mother she was concerned with her son more than his father did, therefore, it is important to note that only she who seemed bothered by Gregors sudden change and this seemed to affect her more than any one else.
Ironically, the Samsa`s were in a way cruel to their son, think of Mr. Samsa who wrote Gregor off as dead, this can be supported by the fact that Grete withdrew her role as a caregiver to her brother, when she realized Gregor will never be the same brother she was used to even though she stood out as a caring sister in the end she turned against him. And when Gregor died his father remarked "We can thank God for that!” meaning Gregor was a burden to him individually as well as the family.
But comparing this book with other works which critically analyze or reflect the fundamentals of social reality, metamorphosis, have strategically managed to capture the reality of human weakness as is presented through the symbolic change of Gregor.
In principal, the various dynamics employed by the author have intricately-exposed the innate weaknesses as espoused in our human nature. However, despite, the realities explored, the author has failed to offer that sensational touch which is common with most fiction writers.
Basically, metamorphosis, in relation to the contemporary world has revealed our desire for materialism, which later creates isolation due to meaningless involvement with unprofitable engagements. Thus from an analytical angle the author has managed wittingly present both the reality and the illusions that are epitome our human phallic. As is expounded by the Grete, who had become an epitome of Gregor`s survival but turned her back later subjecting Gregor to more misery and pain.
Bordering on all that surrounded this family, it is obvious that, their attention though in a way focused on Gregor their attitude reflected a family that was bonded by materialism ,and lacked that inner passion to accept their own
It is apparent that the author had that natural insight or was influenced by the societies surrounding him. This can be attributed to the fact that, as the story develops, and the theme becomes apparent, the dialogue reveals the materialistic inclination enslaving human race. Think of Gregor, he being the leading light, ironically, represents the minor community that is ready to sacrifice for others to excel, hence, the transition depicts our innate nature of hatred and discrimination as being purely fuelled by our desire to love those who have and alienate the needy. And this is what the modern society is evolving to be.
Therefore, Metamorphosis, reflects, the reality of social weaklines, which more than often shape our social destiny and eventual establishment of our moral anchorage. Thus by mirroring Gregors attitude towards his work in relation to the very attitude the society exudes today, it is apparent that the author intention was to create the impression that, mans hustling nature is equally futile as that of an insect whose life is so delicate hence meaningless if powerless, and this is exemplified where Gregor is alienated and dies in isolation.
On literally ground, the book neither fits in the category of science fiction nor in the realm of non-fiction, the flaws of this work are depicted by the fact that, though the book seems as if designed to address the social inconsistency, it fails to create the fundamental foundation as to why the transformation took place in the first place, more so, the tale lacks the moral clout as well as academic intellect. Therefore, despite the fact that the book has approached the social deficiency, it has failed categorically establish the real theme as to why, where, who, when, what and how the metamorphosis or mutation relevant. Hence, this transition has exited critical comments from the literally world, likewise, the tale is told from the beetles point view, creates another delicate imbalance that fuels further criticism, hence the metamorphosis continues (Alikha 200).

About the Author

The author Anna Petrescu has academic writing experience of over 5 years. She holds a PHD in education from Cambridge. She has been assisting students in writing professional academic papers including thesis, dissertations, research papers and term papers. bestessayscenter.com

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