The Metamorphosis Franz KafkaGeorgianna Sandilos, Alexa Kelly, Rachel Linus

“A book should be the axe to break the frozen sea within us”

-Franz Kafka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXiOYrgqvF4

2:43- 4:42

EARLY LIFEBorn: July 3, 1883 in Prague

Upper middle class, German-speaking Jewish familyEldest of 6

Attended German schools

Charles Ferdinand UniversityLaw Degree

Worked at governor's insurance office

Troubled father-son RelationshipLetters to His Father

MAJOR INFLUENCES

Ovid and Ancient MythologyThe Metamorphoses (pg. 422)

Nietzsche

Darwin

WORKS

The Metamorphosis (1915)

The Trial (1925)

The Castle (1926)

Letters to His Father (1919)

Amerika (1927)

MODERNISM

Style of art/literature developed primarily during the 20th century, stressing the subconscious or nonrational significance of imagery

Gregor’s situation

SURREALISM

EXISTENTIALISM

Flourished between 1890 and 1940

Mainly concerned with the loss of traditional values brought on by the major advances and disasters of the early 20th century. Such literature focuses on the fragmentation and alienation perceived during this time. To battle this, modernists focused on exploring psychology than directly commenting on society.

Use of stream of consciousness- James Joyce

Use of surrealism to depict alienation- Franz Kafka

The belief system that there are no preexisting meanings, values, or guidelines for human beings

Meaning must be derived from individual experiences

THEMES FOUND IN The Metamorphosis

Alienation/Isolation

Negative Father-son relationship

Existence

Morality

Class-consciousness/Effects of Capitalism

Family

Absurdity

SYMBOLSThe insect

The framed picture of a woman in fursGregor’s desires (sex, wealth, humanity)

Father’s uniform:Father’s dignity (deteriorates)

FoodThe way the family treats Gregor

The MetamorphosisPersonal alienationEffects of family’s demands

FurnitureLoss of hope/humanity

The WindowLonging

Hospital

KAFKA’S IMPACTImpact:

Major contributor to the Existentialist/Modernist movements

Kafkaesque:Marked by senseless, disorienting, often menacing complexity

Influenced:Pablo Neruda

Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Jorge Luis Borges

Albert Camus

ACTIVITY!

Create your own metaphorical metamorphosis.

"Theoretically there is a perfect possibility of happiness: believing in the indestructible element in oneself and not striving towards it." Franz Kafka.

DISCUSSION

What is the nature of the ‘metamorphosis’? Would a more appropriate title for the work be The Metamorphoses?

Is the Samsa family's animosity towards Gregor a result of the introduction of a hideous creature into their home, or the loss of their primary breadwinner?

What is your take on Gregor’s sudden appreciation of his sister’s music at the end of the novella?