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3.5 tragicomic, compelling but imprecise stars. Sounds strange, let me explain the reasons I loved but also disliked part of this story.
Metamorphosis’ is a book that uses the absurd to highlight the plight of many suffering isolation, intolerance, and prejudice, and possibly inspired by the authors own experience. A powerful tale that is beautifully written but not one you can claim to enjoy for the heartbreaking story at the centre.
Although a short story, it is also a marvel for the many themes it embraces and an ingenious piece of writing, but I have to confess it is a book that left me somewhat disappointed by the ending and with so many questions.
The Plot
Kafka’s tale is the ghastly metamorphosis of a man into a giant insect which coincides with the deterioration of Gregor’s mental state and abject alienation. The breakdown of the family unit that, until then had, relied heavily on his efforts to provide for the family also concluded a role reversal when Gregor’s demise becomes apparent.
Perhaps it is the transformation and alteration in both Gregor and his family the book takes its title from. However, the term metamorphosis is best suited to the change in Gregor’s sister, in my opinion, who is seen as maturing by the end but only possible through the destruction of Gregor himself.
Review and Comments
The reader is left to interpret much of the story and its purpose but being so open to interpretation and at times vague is what lost the appeal for me.
However, what was incredibly thought provoking and powerful was the sense of alienation, hopelessness, and the evident breakdown in communication. The lack of understanding and callousness of the family is not lost on the reader either, and highlights how people’s habitual prejudices can cloud good judgement and kindness.
This book made me ponder how well society deals with those things they don’t understand or accept in other people. It feels that some might avoid or even reject what we don’t understand, and therefore could respond inappropriately when we observe behaviour that is different. In this case the further Gregor’s mind deteriorates the less understood and coherent he becomes and instead of receiving the much-loved support and empathy he craves, the family instead cruelly banish him from their day to day lives and employ a carer to do the work for them, whilst being openly critical and abusive.
What is extremely poignant with this story is that it appears to be inspired by Kafka’s own experience, because shortly after completing "The Metamorphosis," Kafka apparently wrote in his diary: "I am living with my family, the dearest people, and yet I am more estranged from them than from a stranger." - How sad.
Described as one of the best short stories ever written, Metamorphosis has received widespread critical acclaim, but my feelings are mixed. At times it felt ambiguous and imprecise, yet it carried such important and sobering themes that were well done. How can that be? So, it may sound strange but like the idiom claims ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts’ was the reverse for me because I enjoyed the individual themes, reflections but not the ‘whole’ story. I was left questioning the point of this story because of the ending and matter in which Gregor’s story ended.
Some loved, some readers disliked. I felt both because I loved most of this very unique book but was disappointed because I feel the ending could have been written differently and with stronger messages. That is not because I need a happy ending but in this case the ending for me was disconnected from the rest of the story and failed to conclude on some of the all-important messages highlighted through the book.
Tragicomic, unique, and compelling and high praise for the storytelling and the powerful themes but a book that was a little disappointing because of the unsatisfactory ending for this reader.
3.5 rounded up because this is not a 3.
Metamorphosis’ is a book that uses the absurd to highlight the plight of many suffering isolation, intolerance, and prejudice, and possibly inspired by the authors own experience. A powerful tale that is beautifully written but not one you can claim to enjoy for the heartbreaking story at the centre.
Although a short story, it is also a marvel for the many themes it embraces and an ingenious piece of writing, but I have to confess it is a book that left me somewhat disappointed by the ending and with so many questions.
The Plot
Kafka’s tale is the ghastly metamorphosis of a man into a giant insect which coincides with the deterioration of Gregor’s mental state and abject alienation. The breakdown of the family unit that, until then had, relied heavily on his efforts to provide for the family also concluded a role reversal when Gregor’s demise becomes apparent.
Perhaps it is the transformation and alteration in both Gregor and his family the book takes its title from. However, the term metamorphosis is best suited to the change in Gregor’s sister, in my opinion, who is seen as maturing by the end but only possible through the destruction of Gregor himself.
Review and Comments
The reader is left to interpret much of the story and its purpose but being so open to interpretation and at times vague is what lost the appeal for me.
However, what was incredibly thought provoking and powerful was the sense of alienation, hopelessness, and the evident breakdown in communication. The lack of understanding and callousness of the family is not lost on the reader either, and highlights how people’s habitual prejudices can cloud good judgement and kindness.
This book made me ponder how well society deals with those things they don’t understand or accept in other people. It feels that some might avoid or even reject what we don’t understand, and therefore could respond inappropriately when we observe behaviour that is different. In this case the further Gregor’s mind deteriorates the less understood and coherent he becomes and instead of receiving the much-loved support and empathy he craves, the family instead cruelly banish him from their day to day lives and employ a carer to do the work for them, whilst being openly critical and abusive.
What is extremely poignant with this story is that it appears to be inspired by Kafka’s own experience, because shortly after completing "The Metamorphosis," Kafka apparently wrote in his diary: "I am living with my family, the dearest people, and yet I am more estranged from them than from a stranger." - How sad.
Described as one of the best short stories ever written, Metamorphosis has received widespread critical acclaim, but my feelings are mixed. At times it felt ambiguous and imprecise, yet it carried such important and sobering themes that were well done. How can that be? So, it may sound strange but like the idiom claims ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts’ was the reverse for me because I enjoyed the individual themes, reflections but not the ‘whole’ story. I was left questioning the point of this story because of the ending and matter in which Gregor’s story ended.
Some loved, some readers disliked. I felt both because I loved most of this very unique book but was disappointed because I feel the ending could have been written differently and with stronger messages. That is not because I need a happy ending but in this case the ending for me was disconnected from the rest of the story and failed to conclude on some of the all-important messages highlighted through the book.
Tragicomic, unique, and compelling and high praise for the storytelling and the powerful themes but a book that was a little disappointing because of the unsatisfactory ending for this reader.
3.5 rounded up because this is not a 3.
