Comparing Franz Kafka and Gregor Samsa in The...

Similarities between Franz Kafka and Gregor Samsa in The Metamorphosis It is unusual to say the least to open a book and the first line is about the main character waking up as a large insect. Most authors’ use symbolism to relate the theme of their work, not Franz Kafka. He uses a writing method that voids all aspects and elements of the story that defy interpretation. In doing this, he leaves a simple story that stands only for an objective view for his own thoughts and dreams. Kafka focuses the readers’ attention on a single character that symbolizes himself and his life, not Everyman as some authors do. This method is displayed in most of his literary works. To understand how this method is recognized, readers must study the†¦show more content†¦An additional example is the bug itself. Kafka describes the bug as ungeheueres Ungeziefer (â€Å"a monstrous vermin†) then the image is forgotten in certain situations as Kafka concentrates on the conflict of Gregor the man. Kafka refused to allow the image of the bug o verpower the story by not permitting the publisher to illustrate it, which made the insect superfluous. There are countless other contradictions that can be found even by a novice critic if the story is read carefully. A tidbit of history has been included to provide a background for Kafka. His upbringing is not considered normal. In 1883, he is born in Prague, Czechoslovakia to a successful Jewish couple. This combination dictated that he is neither Czech nor German, so his father sought to better the family’s name through Franz by insisting his schooling and social life be centered around the German-speaking elite of the provincial city. Throughout his childhood, he had a history of ailments that contributed to his propensity to dwell on intellectual studies instead of outdoor activities. He received a doctorate in law from the German University in Prague in 1906 per his father’s wishes. After graduating, he accepted a position as a legal clerk for a short period and found it lacking. In 1908, he left that position and started his career with a semi-governmental insurance company that probably saved his life as he is exempted from the mobilization during Hitler’s regim e. ThisShow MoreRelatedAllegorical Metamorphosis1128 Words   |  5 PagesAllegorical Metamorphosis Metamorphosis is transformation of an insect from an immature form to an adult form. Although this term is ordinarily used in Biology, Franz Kafka uses this term to title his peculiar story. This is a story about a young man named Gregor Samsa, who is a traveling salesman. He is a typical hardworking man trying to pay off debts. However, he wakes up one morning as a human-sized beetle. 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