The Metamorphosis - Franz Kafka

Rating: ★★★★★

13/07/13



So, he woke up and found himself transformed into a big insect. That's something you don't read about everyday.

I loved this novella. Kafka's well known for creating absurd and claustrophobic universes that a lot of us can relate to. The Metamorphosis is no exception. It has a lot of meanings, symbolism everywhere; a deep, philosophical twist that I love.

There's this guy, who is not quite excited about his job, his boss in particular (weird, huh?). And then, out of the blue, he becomes an insect. He realizes that he is now a burden to his family. He is alone in his own house. He once was a relevant part of the family, a provider. But now, being an insect and all, he can't support them anymore; he is useless. An alienated and depressed burden with a lot of skinny legs. That can be such a familiar feeling (except for the transformation into an actual insect, of course). And Kafka describes it disgustingly beautiful.

I read it in high school, and loved it. I read it again and loved it more. There's not a lot of warm and fuzzy feelings in a Kafkaesque universe; they can be cold, confusing, honest... real. But with a touch of humor that prevents you from wanting to jump off your balcony.