I read Metamorphosis by Kafka
In preperation for a visit to the Kafka museum, I read Metamorphosis because I'm extra [the Susan Bernofsky translation].
Many people, including Bernofsky, describe Kafka's style of writing, especially in relation to Metamorphosis, as kind of comical. And, while I am aware of this and even giggled at a few bits myself, I think I found this story profoundly unsettling for many reasons—in a good way.
The following are my observations [SPOILERS]:
First, I certianly found it funny how nonchalant Gregor is in regards to his transformation at first and, honestly, in a way I find it representative of modern day society—one of people living in such an overworked and exhausted state that such an absurd, inconvenient event (turning into an "insect") would probably be met with an eye roll or a "you gotta be kidding me" and then a prompt return to being a cog in the capitalist hellscape. Out of necessity, of course.
On that note, I love the commentary on socioeconomic conditions, even though it is arguably ironic in the case of the Samsa family considering they remain wealthy enough to employ house servants throughout the story.
But that brings me to one of my main points: there is a sinister level of exploitation at the hands of the Samsa family. For one, they seem only concerned with waking Gregor up so as to ensure he goes to work. They only become concerned for his welbeing after the fact. Then, obviously, it is revealed that, after the collapse of Herr Samsa's buisness, Gregor picked up the slack to provide for his family—and he did rather well, providing them with a good quality of life. At first they were greatful but then:
“All had grown accustomed to this arrangement, not just the family but Gregor as well: they gratefully accepted the money, and he was happy to provide it, but the exchange no longer felt particularly warm.”
On top of which, there is the mention of the "nest egg" left from Herr Samsa's buisness, meaning that Gregor did not have to work himself as hard as he did [the conditions which, Kafka alludes, resulted in his "metamorphosis"] and that his parents could have payed off their debts far sooner, freeing him of his service to his boss.
Something else I find interesting is the concept of the "Metamorphosis" itself. Seemingly, it alligns with Gregor's physical transformation, but I posit that the metamorphosis of Gregor's family is a greater force within the story. They all change as people in response to their predicament—and for the worse. Meanwhile, Gregor remains the same. He continues to worry about his family, do everything in his power to make life better for them, and feels constant guilt at the state he is in, including his inability to continue funding their lifestyle. Interestingly, the translator, Susan Bernofsky, mentions in the afterward that translating the German title of the book (Verwandlung) posed some what of a challenge as Verwandlung does not mean metamorphosis in the traditional sense—that is a change of state associated with the animal kingdom. Rather, Bernofsky compares it to a transformation in fairytales (e.g., a prince being turned into a swan). Essentially, what I'm getting at here is that the "metamorphosis" central to the story may not be Gregor's at all.
Last, I want to touch on the final line of the book:
“And when they arrived at their destination, it seemed to them almost a confirmation of their new dreams and good intentions when their daughter swiftly sprang to her feet and stretched her young body.”
I may be the only person who interpereted it as such, but, to me, the line was incredibly chilling. It comes after Gregor's death, which the family all but cheered on. They seem to exhibit sadness to some extent—although it is unclear if they are greiving for Gregor or for themselves and what they were put through. They all seem relieved and it is almost as if joy finally penetrates the pages of the book. In all the comotion of Gregor's metamorphosis, however, the parents seemed not to realize how much their daughter had matured. They begin to think it is time to find her a husband, after which, we are given the final line above.
This line unsettled me so much because I feel as though it alludes to a continuation of the cycle Gregor found himself in (see my notes on the family's financial situation and their treatment of Gregor). To me, this rings of the parents—although I truley do not think they realize it themselves (hence the "good intentions")—pinpointing a new "cash cow," for lack of better words. Especially given the abundant commentary on Grete's (Gregor's sister) body, all of which very much gives the passage an air of commodity apraisal. It also made me think of the fact that Gregor's body was such a central focus of the story itself—both with his physical transformation and within the context of him being overworked and exhausted. Also the prevalent notion of loss of control of the body and the Samsa family's constant attempts to exert control onto Gregor's body.
I have more notes (8 pages), but I am too tired to write them all down. Thank you for reading my rant.
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