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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?