The Metamorphosis (German: Die Verwandlung, also sometimes translated as The Transformation) is a novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It has been cited as one of the seminal works of fiction of the 20th century and is studied in colleges and universities across the Western world. The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed (metamorphosed) into a large, monstrous insect-like creature. The cause of Samsa's transformation is never revealed, and Kafka never did give an explanation. The rest of Kafka's novella deals with Gregor's attempts to adjust to his new condition as he deals with being burdensome to his parents and sister, who are repulsed by the horrible, verminous creature Gregor has become.
*Desires*55
Made me want to cut myself. Not met to be read as having a straightforward meaning.25
In “The Metamorphosis,” Franz Kafka depicts the complex relationship outcasts face when trying to fit in with society in an easy to understand narrative. This novella is the quintessential story on the struggle of strangers to fit in with the people around them. I highly recommend this!55
Arguably the best book of all time55
I have tried three times to read this book and it is simply too repulsive and ridiculously strange to get past the first chapter.15
The story of Gregor is a sad one. Not quite sure yet what to make of it, but it was a very insightful, enjoyable read.55
I had to google what was going on after reading a couple of pages. After reading about the term Kafkaesque, I understood it all. The story plays out like a dream with how time flows and how perspectives work. It was beautiful and disgusting and sad and stressful. This was my first Kafka story but it definitely won’t be my last. One of my new favorite authors, I’m just sad it took me till 22 years old to discover him.55
What in the world possessed this story?25
Not worth reading.15
Even though the ending is a little strange, it is greatly written and i suggest it to all readers45
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