1. The Metamorphosis Franz Kafka Georgianna Sandilos, Alexa Kelly, Rachel Linus “A book should be the axe to break the frozen sea within us” -Franz Kafka

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXiOYrgqvF4 2:43- 4:42

3. EARLY LIFE Born: July 3, 1883 in Prague Upper middle class, German-speaking Jewish family Eldest of 6 Attended German schools Charles Ferdinand University Law Degree Worked at governor's insurance office Troubled father-son Relationship Letters to His Father

4. MAJOR INFLUENCES Ovid and Ancient Mythology The Metamorphoses (pg. 422) Nietzsche Darwin

5. WORKS The Metamorphosis (1915) The Trial (1925) The Castle (1926) Letters to His Father (1919) Amerika (1927)

6. MODERNISM Style of art/literature developed primarily during the 20 th century, stressing the subconscious or nonrational significance of imagery Gregor’s situation S URREALISM E XISTENTIALISM Flourished between 1890 and 1940 Mainly concerned with the loss of traditional values brought on by the major advances and disasters of the early 20 th century. Such literature focuses on the fragmentation and alienation perceived during this time. To battle this, modernists focused on exploring psychology than directly commenting on society. Use of stream of consciousness- James Joyce Use of surrealism to depict alienation- Franz Kafka The belief system that there are no preexisting meanings, values, or guidelines for human beings Meaning must be derived from individual experiences

8. THEMES FOUND IN The Metamorphosis Alienation/Isolation Negative Father-son relationship Existence Morality Class-consciousness/Effects of Capitalism Family Absurdity

9. SYMBOLS The insect The framed picture of a woman in furs Gregor’s desires (sex, wealth, humanity) Father’s uniform: Father’s dignity (deteriorates) Food The way the family treats Gregor The Metamorphosis Personal alienation Effects of family’s demands Furniture Loss of hope/humanity The Window Longing Hospital

10. KAFKA’S IMPACT Impact: Major contributor to the Existentialist/Modernist movements Kafkaesque: Marked by senseless, disorienting, often menacing complexity Influenced: Pablo Neruda Gabriel Garcia Marquez Jorge Luis Borges Albert Camus

11. ACTIVITY! Create your own metaphorical metamorphosis. "Theoretically there is a perfect possibility of happiness: believing in the indestructible element in oneself and not striving towards it." Franz Kafka.

12. DISCUSSION What is the nature of the ‘metamorphosis’? Would a more appropriate title for the work be The Metamorphoses? Is the Samsa family's animosity towards Gregor a result of the introduction of a hideous creature into their home, or the loss of their primary breadwinner? What is your take on Gregor’s sudden appreciation of his sister’s music at the end of the novella?