Historical Context:
Author Franz Kafka's life very much influenced his writing of The Metamorphosis. Kafka was born in 1883 in Prague, Czech Republic. His relationship his father had always been strained, with Kafka thinking creatively instead of practically and having a strange appearance. This contributed the character Gregor's conflict with his father throughout the novel, as well as Gregor's transformation into a bug. Also, Kafka spoke German in a Czech society and was never truly in touch with his Jewish heritage, making him feel very lonely. This contributes to Gregor's inability to speak or be understood, as well as his alienation once he becomes a bug. The Metamorphosis was written by Kafka in 1915. Sadly, Kafka lived a life of melancholy and mental instability, and in 1924, he starved to death (similar to Gregor).
Kafka's work was famous during the 20th century, most particularly for those who had returned from WWI and WWII. His audiences were captured by his themes of alienation, the absurdity of existence, and the harsh authoritarian power. The Metamorphosis was written during the Expressionist period, which emphasized seeking psychological realities, distortion, and not the mere recording of external events. The novella is also considered a Modernist work, using the stream of consciousness technique and embodying the alienation of society.
Kafka's work was famous during the 20th century, most particularly for those who had returned from WWI and WWII. His audiences were captured by his themes of alienation, the absurdity of existence, and the harsh authoritarian power. The Metamorphosis was written during the Expressionist period, which emphasized seeking psychological realities, distortion, and not the mere recording of external events. The novella is also considered a Modernist work, using the stream of consciousness technique and embodying the alienation of society.