http://www.scribd.com/doc/36685124/Metamorphosis-Criticism
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Second BLOG - G Bell - Article Analysis - Due Tuesday, September 9th at Midnight
Please choose one of the following two critical articles on Kafka's Metamorphosis. Decide if you agree or disagree with the stance in the article. Provide a quote or two justifying your stance and relating it specifically to Kafka's work.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/36685124/Metamorphosis-Criticism
http://www.scribd.com/doc/36684417/ARticle-2
http://www.scribd.com/doc/36685124/Metamorphosis-Criticism
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In Ralph Freedman’s article “Kafka’s Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in Narrative,” Freedman address the way to analyze a work written by Kafka, especially The Metamorphosis. I completely agree with Freedman’s analysis that Gregor’s transformation is to ultimately get down to a deeper, self-conscious level where he can focus on the things that matter. Gregor’s withering condition allows Kafka to be very realistic. Kafka’s use of symbols is minimal, however the theme of time in Gregor’s transformation is prominent because Kafka slowly shows the reader Gregor’s withering condition, lack of time, but sense of self. In order to achieve this, Kafka “distorts reality to reveal man's puzzling condition”(2) of balance between self and world. “The Metamorphosis consists in the self's gradual reduction to its most vital center--its self- consciousness,”(2) which Gregor only achieves when he becomes close to death. Gregor comes to the realization, before his time on Earth runs out, that he had wanted to focus more on what mattered to him all along, and that this was the chance for him to do so without the distraction of the real world.
ReplyDelete“Kafka’s Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in a Narrative” by Ralph Freedman delves into the meaning behind Kafta’s The Metamorphosis. Kafta’s unique writing style leaves much to consider. Freedman explores the various analytical approaches that will aid in uncovering the true meaning of The Metamorphosis. Although the novel is often looked upon as a psychoanalytical piece, Freedman relays that Kafka is not limiting the meaning of the novel merely to “states of the mind” (1). Additionally, Kafka’s desires are not to make one aware of the downfalls of mankind and the necessary improvements to their society, “but to reveal man's involvements in an apparently absurd world” (2). Freedman accurately indicates that after Gregor transforms, his soul is awakened. He realizes he missed his chance to have a fulfilling life with loving relationships because he spent so much time working. Gregor continues to observe the incongruous ways of the world in his changed body. He no longer feels at home in his room. His bed becomes cumbersome, as does the rest of his furniture. They are obstacles not luxuries or conveniences. His perspective of everything has changed. The way others view him has also altered, which contributes to how he feels about himself and his surroundings. “Kafka does present reality as an external, not a psychological, dimension, and he distorts reality to reveal man's puzzling condition which his agonized and ironic mind envisaged” (2). Kafka utilizes this extreme situation to reveal strange ways in which the world exists. Freedman’s analysis of the work and author are obviously quite evident throughout The Metamorphosis.
ReplyDeleteThe criticism provided by Ralph Freedman in “Kafka’s Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in a Narrative” is completely logical. After much research Freedman concludes, "Kafka is far less internal a writer than he is frequently assumed to be" (1). In The Metamorphosis, Gregor, "found himself changed...into a monstrous vermin (3, The Metamorphosis). Kafka depicts the commencement of Gregor's struggles due to a drastic change in his physical characteristics. Gregor’s transformation leads to a plethora of judgments made by his own family. Their value of him changes from being the most respected family member to being referred to as "it". Before his transformation, Gregor never took a day off at work, and he followed the same daily routine in order to make sure his family lived in satisfaction. However, after his metamorphosis, Gregor realizes that he was actually a vermin before the transformation because “Gregor [reminisced] that when the manager had towered above him in the office he had already felt like an insect” (3). Even though he was not physically an insect, Gregor always lived such an insipid life because he was always attempting to fulfill his family duty until he was in a physical condition where he had to be quarantined. Ultimately, Gregor’s death finally exhibits his emancipation from his duties and from his family. Not only Gregor but his family is also liberated after his death, which is symbolically depicted as they are all shown leaving their apartment together.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Kafka is often celebrated as a master of realism, his works show a deeper layer of reflection and insight into the human mind that cannot be restricted to mere “realism.” Freedman’s article, however, only half reveals the beauty of Kafka’s genius. I agree with Freedman that Gregor’s transformation, despite its lack of explanation, did occur in the physical world, meaning that Gregor did not merely feel like a vermin or dream of his metamorphosis. The rich, descriptive language Kafka utilizes confirms this: “One side of his body lifted itself, he lay at an angle in the doorway one flank scraped on the white door and was painfully injured, leaving vile brown flecks on it…the little legs along one side hung quivering in the air while those on the other side were pressed painfully against the ground” (17). Gregor undoubtedly is some sort of cockroach but Freedman errs though, when he states that “…to view his worlds as labyrinths of the subconscious would sharply limit the scope and depth of his work” (1). The very opposite is true; the beauty and genius of Kafka’s work lies in the numerous ideas and symbols he has carefully imbedded into the novel to create a mosaic of realism. Deconstructing the façade of realism piece by piece allows the reader to understand and fully comprehend Kafka’s brilliance. Both his experiences in life and the very nature of his work The Metamorphosis abet this fact. In Kafka’s lifetime he was exposed to the budding ideas of the famous philosophers, authors, scientists, and psychologists that would shape the 20th century and beyond: Nietzsche, Camus, Freud, Einstein, Spinoza, Darwin and many more. The reader can clearly see all of these influences at work in The Metamorphosis. Nihilism and absurdism in Gregor’s final breath that “…was no surprise to him” and the lack of explicit religious references (45); naturalism and expressionism, as Freedman states in Kafka’s style of writing; religious influence (Zionism and Christianity) seen in the Christ figure; Freudianism in the relationship with his father and a host of other schools of thought seen throughout the novel. Symbols also play a large role in the story, despite Freedman’s viewpoint. Almost every object, normal as though it may seem, holds a meaning that transcends the physical world; a door allegorizes his denial of human form whereas a desk his loss of human mental faculties. This symbolism delves even down to the gold buttons on his father’s coat which illustrate his masculinity and the unattainable object Gregor desires: his human form. Freedman does point out correctly though that “Shifts in both self and world condition and require one another” (3). However, Kafka’s many influences are not a product of the realism he employs, but the perceived realism is the vehicle in which Kafka conveys his rich tapestry of ideas, “the labyrinths of the subconscious.” (1)
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ReplyDeleteMadden’s “A Myth of Meditation: Kafka’s Metamorphosis” is a critical essay which analyzes Kafka’s writing style and elements within the novel. Madden often writes about Kafka’s approach to realism and the descriptive words he uses throughout the novel, “It is through conscientious, touching, ironic details that Kafka disconcerts us” (2). I agree with Madden’s view on Kafka’s language, especially when Kafka describes Gregor’s transformation into a cockroach. He describes Gregor’s transformation with extreme detail, as to almost paint a picture of Gregor’s new outward appearance. Madden points out that Kafka’s use of realism is more than just a technique, but instead it is an art. Within every sentence, which is so clearly stated, lies a “vast and mysterious world of myth, of implicit truth…” (5). This is shown through the main character, Gregor who painfully wastes away in the form of a cockroach within the confined spaces of his bedroom, cut off from society and his family. His family, who once held him to the utmost respect because he helped with their finances, shunned him and considered the transformed Gregor a burden on their life. Even through all the abominable treatment, Gregor feels love and tenderness for his family. Kafka intertwines a religious ideology into Gregor’s transformation from St. John the Cross which delineates that even in hopeless times, one can find hope if one keeps looking. While Gregor’s life was filled with maltreatment from his family in the realistic sense on the surface, between the lines there was love and adoration Gregor felt even after the mistreatment. Madden’s article on The Metamorphosis expertly analyzes Kafka’s realistic detailed writing on the surface and ties in Kafka’s theoretical and philosophical influences between the lines.
ReplyDeleteWilliam A. Madden’s depiction of Franz Kafka’s, The Metamorphasis, is very accurate. In Madden’s ‘A Myth of Mediation: Kafka's `Metamporphosis,' he describes the reasoning behind Kafka’s profound intrusions into the human psyche. His writing is full of allusions and hidden meanings. Madden writes, “It is in ‘The Metamorphosis,’ too, that we first receive the full benefits of Kafka's special insights, which open up a tremendous perspective leading deep into the human
ReplyDeleteheart.” (1). Critics claim that Kafka lacks consistency with his many allusions, foreshadows, and hidden meanings although Madden shares an impartial opinion; regarding Kafka’s techniques as original. The extremely descriptive nature of his masterpiece is thoroughly explained by Madden, “Always the details precede the metaphysics. Or to state it more accurately, we must arrive at the meaning through the incidents that Kafka describes because these incidents contain the meaning.” (3). Kafka would often plunge into an in-depth description of every detail, no matter how vulgar. Madden’s rational opinion praised his attention to detail as a prevailing quality in the novel that made the events occurring to Gregor Samsa seem real. William Madden’s depiction of The Metamorphasis shares equitable views towards the techniques of the brilliant Franz Kafka.
In "Kafka's Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in Narrative," Ralph Freedman approaches Kafka's unique writing style and the logic behind it. Metamorphosis is a novel that forces one to question. Did the protagonist, Gregor, really turn into a giant vermin? Freedman says one must divulge their self into the mind of the author, and see reality through his eyes. "The most fruitful approach to Kafka's work would begin with a recreation of his world as he actually presents it to us, a world of concrete, albeit rearranged reality" (2). After Gregor's transformation, he realizes all that he has been deprived of in his life. By rushing and worrying all of his time away, he has missed simple things like love and compassion. His metamorphosis also morphed his family's view of him. Because he no longer provided for his family and crawled on the receiving end of the pole, his family viewed him as worthless, and as a beetle in an unforgiving world of humans. As he lay dying, he thought of his family with love, despite their death wish upon him, because after all, this enormous bug couldn't be their relative...right?
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ReplyDeletePart 1:“A Myth of Mediation: Kafka’s Metamorphosis” by William A. Madden discusses the author’s perception of myth versus reality. Throughout the novel, Kafka’s personal and artistic life is portrayed through Gregor’s hopelessness, which is caused by the failure to escape the guilt thrust upon him after his transformation. Madden exemplifies this concept effectively by breaking up his analysis into different sections: Kafka’s intended message to his audience, attention to detail and its effects, and the myths of mediation within The Metamorphosis.
ReplyDeleteAfter Gregor’s physical change, the author focuses more on his family’s reaction of his transformation, rather than the causes behind it. “What has happened to me? [Gregor] thought. It was no dream. His room, a regular human bedroom, only rather too small, lay quiet between the four familiar walls” (7, The Metamorphosis). The novel continues to describe Gregor’s surroundings and centers around the Samsa’s response to their son’s mysterious external modification. Madden also points out that Kafka’s approach towards portraying his ideas to his audience reveals realism. As Austin Warren observed, "It is the chief horror of the story, perhaps, that no one within it sees what happens as`impossible' (2), meaning Kafka includes real-life dilemmas within The Metamorphosis like isolation and the role of family duty to add a different, less secure perspective for the reader.
Part 2:Within his 1915 novel, Kafka uses quick, satirical comments to portray a world that seems inevitable to avoid. The scene where Gregor’s boss comes to visit, Gregor’s animalistic cravings, and Mr. Samsa’s abusive and violent behavior towards his son represent a strange, yet realistic world. The author attentively concentrates on allowing his audience to arrive towards a meaning through different incidents, not vice versa. This assures the reader that the story is fictional, yet prevents the exposure of the wicked truth. Kafka wants to expand his viewer’s imagination but, also, have a feel of discomfort through different humanly realistic events. Madden believes, Gregor's change into a "vermin" must be as real as possible; he changes into a cockroach which Kafka describes in some detail. In this way the personal experience of the writer is translated into terms which extend far beyond the level of the conceptual (4).
ReplyDeletePart 3:Kafka’s myth of mediation is prominent in The Metamorphosis. This term refers to a kind of truth, not deceit. An example within the novel is the Samsa’s reaction after Gregor’s death. Before his metamorphosis, he was a respected man that provided for his family; however, after he died, they were relieved and began to look for a husband for their daughter, Grete. “And it was like a confirmation of their new dreams and excellent intentions that at the end of their journey their daughter sprang to her feet first and stretched her young body” (52, The Metamorphosis). The Samsa’s mourning had ended, and they wished to continue their lives before Gregor’s transformation created a burden in their lives. Overall, Madden effectively portrays in his article the difference between myth and reality in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.
ReplyDeleteIn Freedman’s article “Kafka's Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in Narrative” Freedman’s main point is how to analyze literature by Kafka. He specifically discusses “The Metamorphosis”. I concur with Freedman’s point of view regarding Gregor’s metamorphosis as an obstacle that will ultimately help Gregor realize that his life was out of order, and his pessimistic outlook on life was getting him nowhere. I also agree that Gregor’s death was similar to the sacrifice of Christ. Freedman states, “Gregor is hit by the apple thrown at him by his father, the conventional religious significance imparted by the choice of the fruit is no more than an allusion--almost jocular in its obviousness--suggesting one of several possibilities. If, in the story "In the Penal Colony," the officer's martyrdom suggests Christ's sacrifice, one possibility is explored, and if the New Commandant's doctrine of mercy makes the officer's sacrifice necessary, another possibility and another (contrasting) Christ figure is alluded to…”(1). After Gregor’s death, his family’s luck turns around, and they live a happier life. this parallels Christ’s death as his death helps the lives of others. Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” lacks copious amounts of symbols; however, the symbols is does possess are outward, but should still be analyzed thoroughly.
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ReplyDeleteWithin his critical analysis, "A Myth of Mediation: Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' ", William A. Madden specifically focuses on the rhetoric and diction Kafka composes his novella with. Madden continuously praises Kafka's approach to realism within the novel and relating Gregor Samsa's conditions to issues within society. "When Kafka tells us that Gregor Samsa has been transformed into a cockroach, we
ReplyDeleteunderstand not only that Gregor has become tainted by evil, but also something of
the nature of that evil as Kafka understood it. Realism here is not simply a device, or
a way of describing things, the jargon or appeal of a school, but an essential part of
Kafka's art." Madden links Samsa's transformation to any breach of the good in a human soul through this quote. He relates the incident to any evil entering one's body. At first, just like Gregor's, a family would try to be as supportive as they can and still love their member unconditionally. However, as there is with most things, there comes a breaking point. In Samsa's case it was when he drove away the roomers that his family, his sister specifically, began to view him more as a burdening stranger than a familiar loved one. With each change, evil or good, there is a phase of emotions changing as well. Whether these emotions are positive or negative depend on the familiy's view on the situation. In Gregor Samsa's case, he was viewed as a liability to the well-being of the family. Each case in life may be different. Whether it be a negative such as a family member becoming a drug addict or a neutral decision such as changing religions, the outcome of emotions in the situation all depends on the viewpoints of those it affects. Madden bridges the gap between Kafka's writing and real life in this way, by proving that although this is an unrealistic occurence, the underlying feelings involved with such a situation are very real themselves.
In "Kafka's Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in Narrative" Freedman explains that Kafka wrote "Metamorphosis" in a fictional way but also stressed the realistic struggles in society. When Gregor is transformed into a vermin, this is not portrayed as the end of Gregor's life. Freedman tells how Kafka uses Gregor as a hero figure to convey how someone who has lost all structure, routine, and securitywithin his or her everyday life can overcome the chaos and handle the new situation brought upon them. Kafka did not dwell on how Gregor transformed or the chance of becoming normal again. Freedman says, Kafka envisions the constant and hopeless struggle of the discerning intelligence to come to terms with the objects by which it has been conditioned" (2). The ultimate goal for Gregor was to figure out how to deal with his situation and his new self. I agree with Freedman's analysis of "Metamorphosis".
ReplyDeleteI agree with William A. Madden. In his literary criticism, A Myth of Mediation: Kafka's Metamorphosis,he talks about how Kafka makes a direct approach to displaying and revealing information in the novel. Kafka avoids making the novel fantasy based. He does this in effort to connect the storyline to real life situations. When readers are able to relate events to that in their own life, they are better able to understand what is going on. This is the effect that Kafka was trying to achieve. Kafka tries to make a real life connection when Gregor gets up for work. He woke up and realized that he was no longer human, "And even if he did make the train, he could not avoid the boss, because the messenger boy had been waiting at the five o'clock train and would have long ago reported his not showing up" (pg.5). Gregor was concerned about how he was going to make it to work on time. This is a normal situation that many people have to deal with on a daily basis. This example demonstrates how Kafka wanted the reader to understand the story. He did this through examples of normal day experiences.
ReplyDeleteFranz Kafka's allusions and meanings are pointed out in Ralph Freedman's critical essay, "Kafka's Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in Narrative," which discusses Kafka's meaning and style in "The Metamorphosis" and other works. Gregor's transformation most nearly illustrates his struggle redundant life. The change into a disgusting vermin alludes to his struggles in a alienating world, a non accepting world. Freedman writes, "His prevarications of reality did not seek to expose social evils or reflect ideals concerned with the
ReplyDeleteimprovement of mankind, but to reveal man's involvements in an apparently absurd world" (2). The problems that come with being a grotesque insect lead to the explanation of Gregor's emotional state as he becomes more alienated by a judgmental society and even before he underwent the change. The distortions of Kafka's work are reality in which he proposes concrete allusions, which allow little misinterpretation. This provides examples of self and world shifts, as Gregor underwent and dealt with. His perseverance throughout the hard times of abandonment ended poorly, leading to the fall and weakness of man. Kafka very much so speaks of reality to illustrate a better understanding. Mrs. Maurno... I attempted to submit my first blog post and when I clicked Post Comment, the page said error and when I then clicked refresh, my post was lost. My first post was really elaborate with two quotes, but I just cannot remember all that I wrote and had to completely restart.
@ Lauren - Love your quote about Kafka's distortion of reality to show man's puzzling condition.
ReplyDelete@Anna Cait - Important to mention that absurdist tie-in. Novella has often been over-analyzed.
@Prutha - I am glad that you mentioned the pronoun change to "it".
@Bracey - Kafka's work certainly does go beyond realism. I, too, believe that his ideas and symbolism add to his genius.
@Tasha - Yes, the religious ideology is present in one of the interpretations of the Metamorphosis.
@Ciara - Metamorphosis truly does demand questioning. Metamorphosis "morphs" many aspects and people in Gregor's life.
@Caroline - Thank you for the extremely thorough analysis. Outstanding textual evidence about the special world Kafka created and how the meaning is largely based on the viewer's imagination.
@Cassie - important point about Gregor's death "turning the family around."
@ McLeod -The Nature of evil is certainly examined in this work.
@Kelsey S. - Distortions are often "concrete allusions" in the novella, but they may still lead to misinterpretations depending on the audience.
Freedman in "Kafka's Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in Narrative," explains a line of figurative and literal language that teeters on the edge of nonsense and logic. Kafka's greatest symbol and metaphor of Gregor's sudden transformation into a bug and then gradual progression to complete embodiment of the animal. Freedman accurately analyzes this transformation as, "... the intricate relations between a human and animal...expressionistic device getting at the essence of split humanity... [and] a satiric mirror of man" (4). Gregor's transformation is his mere progression and subconscious rebellion against the strict conformity of society and expectations that surround him. It is accurate for Freedman to point out the two stages of transformation following Gregor's initial physical change into a bug, the first being the spatial change of his surroundings, and the second as his own self-consciousness. These two elements are clear as Gregor ponders, “Well, leaving out the fact that the doors were locked, should he really call for help? In spite of all his miseries, he could not repress a smile at this thought” (8). If Gregor opens the doors to the criticism of his family, then the first element of external forces will continue to criticize his newly monstrous shape, and yet if he keeps the doors locked his transformation continues from within. His transformation is self-perpetuated, like the bed and furniture that serve as obstacles, while his family's reaction to him exacerbates and draws greater attention to his condition. This single metaphor of an alienating transformation serves the purpose of a depiction that would be more perhaps less piercing to the reader if Kafka was limited to literal explanation of the human mind. It's been said that, "Insanity is a sane response to an insane world" (Reich) and such is true for the figurative portrayal of the human struggle in a figurative and cosmic language.
ReplyDeleteIn "Kafka's Obscurity: The Illusion of Logic in Narrative," Freedman states, "He had been imprisoned in his animal existence which had been implied by his human life..." (3). That statement proves to be true because in Kafka's The Metamorphosis Gregor was never truly a human in spirit, his whole life he was controlled by the authoritative figures in his life. He was treated as vermin, so when his miraculous transformation takes place he finally becomes what he was treated like, only to find out that now, from this new perspective, he can focus on what matters most, himself. It proves to be an interesting situation to wrap our minds around. As a human Gregor is treated like scum, yet when in vermin form Gregor is granted much of the attention he so desired before. Unfortunately though, due to his repulsive nature, Gregor is also granted with the loneliness.That is turn forces Gregor to dive down deep into his innermost core and try to comprehend why he is living, and what his purpose is. But in the end, Gregor meets his ultimate demise when Grete, his one last tie to the world, gives up.
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