Existential Isolation and Identity in Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis: A Study Through the Lens of Martin Heidegger's Philosophy (original) (raw)

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis in terms of Heideggerian existentialism, concentrating on the aspects of existential loneliness, estrangement and dissolution of self. Thus, this work demonstrates how Kafka's narrative captures the fundamental aspects of existence in the context of Heidegger's concepts of Being-in-the-world, thrownness and Being-toward-death, and how Gregor Samsa's transformation embodies the challenges of the modern man. The realism of transformation has been discussed as the perspective of using the themes and motifs of the Kafka's work to illustrate the conditions of the dehumanization of the man during the postindustrial period as a subject reduced to the sphere of his economic activity, distancing from his essence and, as a result, suffering from loneliness and death. The implications of capitalist alienation and existential inauthenticity stand out in Kafka's literary pursuits and Heidegger's existential philosophies.

Key takeaways

sparkles

AI

  1. Kafka's The Metamorphosis illustrates existential isolation through Gregor Samsa's transformation into an insect.
  2. Heidegger's concepts of Being-in-the-world and thrownness frame the analysis of modern alienation.
  3. Gregor's metamorphosis symbolizes dehumanization in capitalist societies, reducing identity to economic utility.
  4. The novella critiques familial relationships, showcasing how they contribute to existential loneliness.
  5. Gregory's death represents the ultimate failure of achieving authenticity amidst societal expectations.

Loading...

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

References (22)

  1. Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and Time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Harper & Row.
  2. Kafka, F. (2002). The Metamorphosis. Penguin Classics.
  3. Mulhall, S. (1996). Heidegger and Being and Time. Routledge.
  4. Sokel, W. H. (2002). The Myth of Power and the Self: Essays on Franz Kafka. Wayne State University Press.
  5. Zimmerman, M. E. (1990). Heidegger's Confrontation with Modernity: Technology, Politics, Art. Indiana University Press.
  6. Brown, J. (2022). Family Dynamics and Existential Isolation in Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Modern Literary Studies, 54(2), 245-260.
  7. Corrington, R. (2020). Existential Anxiety and Alienation in Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Existential Philosophy Journal, 11(3), 113-127.
  8. Fischer, M. (2019). Kafka, Capitalism, and Alienation: An Economic Reading of The Metamorphosis. Journal of Literary Economics, 8(1), 22-37.
  9. Jacobsen, L. (2022). Heidegger's Thrownness and Kafka's Metamorphosis: A Study of Existential Alienation. Journal of Existential Thought, 17(4), 59-76.
  10. Lin, P. (2020). The Collapse of the Family Unit in Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Journal of Psychoanalytic Criticism, 13(2), 198-214.
  11. McCarthy, S. (2021). Commodification and Dehumanization in Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Journal of Marxist Criticism, 34(3), 89-102.
  12. Patel, S., & Johnson, T. (2020). Kafka's Critique of the Capitalist Work Ethic in The Metamorphosis. Capitalism and Literature Review, 29(1), 34-52.
  13. Roberts, E. (2021). Being-toward-death in Kafka's The Metamorphosis: An Existential Reading. Existentialist Quarterly, 24(2), 119-133.
  14. Santiago, L. (2021). Bad Faith and Self-Deception in Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Journal of Existentialism and Literature, 9(3), 77-91.
  15. Fischer, M. (2019). Kafka, Capitalism, and Alienation: An Economic Reading of The Metamorphosis. Journal of Literary Economics, 8(1), 22-37.
  16. Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and Time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Harper & Row.
  17. Jacobsen, L. (2022). Heidegger's Thrownness and Kafka's Metamorphosis: A Study of Existential Alienation. Journal of Existential Thought, 17(4), 59-76.
  18. Mulhall, S. (1996). Heidegger and Being and Time. Routledge.
  19. Patel, S., & Johnson, T. (2020). Kafka's Critique of the Capitalist Work Ethic in The Metamorphosis. Capitalism and Literature Review, 29(1), 34-52.
  20. Roberts, E. (2021). Being-toward-death in Kafka's The Metamorphosis: An Existential Reading. Existentialist Quarterly, 24(2), 119-133.
  21. Santiago, L. (2021). Bad Faith and Self-Deception in Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Journal of Existentialism and Literature, 9(3), 77-91.
  22. Zimmerman, M. E. (1990). Heidegger's Confrontation with Modernity: Technology, Politics, Art. Indiana University Press.

FAQs

sparkles

AI

What are the key existential themes identified in Kafka's The Metamorphosis?add

The study reveals themes of existential isolation, alienation, and the search for identity, reflecting Heidegger's concepts. Gregor's transformation symbolizes modern man's struggle against societal dehumanization and existential despair.

How does Gregor's metamorphosis illustrate Heidegger's concept of thrownness?add

Gregor's transformation into an insect exemplifies Heidegger's thrownness, highlighting how individuals are cast into an indifferent world. This alienation exacerbates his estrangement from family and self, furthering his existential crisis.

What does the family dynamic reveal about social pressures in modern capitalism?add

Kafka's depiction of Gregor's family underscores how capitalist relations lead to emotional commodification and isolation. The family's abandonment post-metamorphosis reflects the loss of intrinsic human worth when economic utility is compromised.

How does Being-toward-death relate to Gregor's existential journey?add

Gregor's final acceptance of mortality aligns with Heidegger's Being-toward-death, highlighting the stark reality of his isolation. This awareness illustrates the existential loneliness inherent in modern life and contributes to his tragic end.

What role does inauthentic existence play in Gregor’s character development?add

Gregor embodies inauthentic existence, primarily defined by societal roles imposed by family and work. His inability to transcend these roles leads to his physical and existential demise, illustrating Heidegger's critique of modern identity.