Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis is a surreal and haunting novella by Franz Kafka that explores themes of alienation, identity, and the absurdity of human existence. First published in 1915, the story begins with one of literature's most famous opening lines: "As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect." Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, wakes up to discover he has inexplicably become a monstrous bug. His grotesque transformation isolates him from his family and the world. Stripped of his human form, Gregor burdens his family, who struggle to adapt to their new reality. The story delves into Gregor’s internal struggles as he grapples with his dehumanized existence and the changing dynamics of his family’s relationships. Through its dark and absurd narrative, The Metamorphosis is a powerful allegory for existential despair, societal pressures, and the fragility of identity. Kafka’s masterful use of symbolism and his unique narrative style have cemented this work as a cornerstone of modernist literature. (This is an automatically generated summary.)