The Role of Isolation and Society in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1915)

Expanding the Roles:
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka tells the surreal story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. As Gregor struggles to adjust to his new form, he becomes increasingly isolated from his family and society. The novella explores themes of alienation, identity, and the human condition. For literature students, The Metamorphosis offers a compelling critique of the alienating forces of modern society and the psychological effects of isolation.

• Isolation and Alienation:
  Gregor’s physical transformation symbolizes his emotional and social alienation. Students can explore how Kafka uses Gregor’s isolation to critique the dehumanizing effects of modern work and family expectations, as well as the alienation individuals often feel in a conformist society.

• Identity and the Loss of Humanity:
  Gregor’s transformation leads to his loss of identity and humanity. Literature students can examine how Kafka portrays the disconnect between an individual’s self-perception and society’s treatment of them, and how the loss of identity leads to emotional and physical decay.

What We Learn:
The Metamorphosis offers literature students a profound meditation on isolation, identity, and the alienation caused by societal expectations. The novella critiques the modern world’s dehumanizing tendencies and the existential struggle for individual recognition.