Shane Corcoran

5/5/14
P.2
Why It Matters

This novel provides a unique experience that is both imaginative, and yet
very pertinent to real life struggles in a metaphorical sense. This book provides an
extremely unique and imaginative experience unlike many other books. Kafkas
creativity and artistic vision help create a very detailed grim setting that
corresponds to the dark undertones of the story. However the impressive manner in
which such this strange and obviously fictional tale connects to real life is downright
impressive.

This work of literary art is peppered with historical metaphor, commenting
on life back in the era of WWI Germany. Life after WWI was arguably harder for
Germany than any other country. This led to a large demand for family members to
work and support each other in often stressful circumstances. The book
Metamorphosis captures the tension and depravity of a WWI era German
household. Gregor Samsa is very proud that he had been able to provide such a life in so
nice an apartment for his parents and his sister. Yet, he is constantly stressed and
pressured by his parents and sister. One day, he wakes up as a Vermin generally
interpreted as a large insect. This turns the tables from his family relying on him to
him relying on his family. As the story progressed he becomes an increasing burden
on his family and is told to by his own father. This shows the unfortunate truth that
without his work ability, Gregors family cares very little about him. This kind of
cutthroat attitude crudely represents the attitude of post war Germany. While in
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real life people did not become vermin, they worked so hard to keep their families
afloat, that the stress turned them into a sub human workhorse. And much like a
horse that can no longer function, Gregor met a grim demise the resulted from his
uselessness.

This book is not only a commentary on family life during a historical period,
but an imaginative tale that has inspired the creativity of many of its readers.
Kafkas work has survived time and become a classic for one main reason: The
monster aspect. It all starts when Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling
dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin. Of course the
appeal of the book only increases when further analyzed, but the main drawing
factor is similar to those of Frankenstein and other monster movies. Admittedly, I
chose this very book due to the pop culture references regarding this books main
character. I thought it would be a monster movie in book form. However this books
creativity goes far beyond Gregors transformation. This book chronicles the
struggle of an unwilling transformation as opposed to the Murderous monster
archetype. It is Kafkas validity beyond his years that allows this book to survive
and thrive the way that it does.

Kafkas creativity and ability to translate such an outlandish premise into a
relatable commentary about stress within the household inspires readers to keep
this book alive. Such imagination and innovation has rarely struck the world in book
form, but this book transformed into a monster of its own: A monster that inspires
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creativity and wonder into its readers. The imagination and historical context that
this book provides blends it into a masterful story that can appeal to a widespread
audience. This book is unique and imaginative, and blends these aspects into a
masterpiece that has withstood the test of time.