59 pages • 1 hour read
Franz KafkaThe Metamorphosis
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1915A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, traveling salesman Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find he has transformed into a giant insect. Struggling to communicate and move, he becomes increasingly alienated from his family, who are horrified by his new form. As Gregor becomes more isolated and neglected, his health deteriorates, culminating in his tragic demise. His family then contemplates their future with a sense of newfound freedom. Sensitive topics include Gregor's physical transformation and the resultant neglect and family estrangement.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kafka's The Metamorphosis captivates with its surreal premise and profound exploration of human alienation and identity. Critics praise its originality and emotional depth, yet some find its dark tone and ambiguity challenging. The narrative's ability to provoke thought and disturb remains a testament to Kafka's genius.
Who Should Read The Metamorphosis?
A reader who enjoys The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka would likely appreciate existential and surreal themes. They may also be intrigued by psychological and philosophical inquiries into human isolation and absurdity. Fans of works like Albert Camus's The Stranger and George Orwell's 1984 will find Kafka's novella compelling.