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The Metamorphosis Paperback – September 10, 2010

by Franz Kafka (Author)

4.1 11,970 ratings

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The Metamorphosis is a novella written by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. The story revolves around the transformation of Gregor Samsa, a travelling salesman, into a giant insect. The sudden and inexplicable change in his physical appearance leads to a series of events that ultimately result in his isolation and alienation from his family and society at large.As Gregor struggles to come to terms with his new form, his family reacts with horror and disgust, leading to a breakdown in their relationship. The novella explores themes of identity, isolation, and the human condition, as Gregor grapples with his own sense of self and the limitations imposed by his insect form.Kafka's writing style is characterized by its surreal and dreamlike quality, as well as its exploration of the inner workings of the human mind. The Metamorphosis is considered a seminal work of modernist literature, and has influenced countless writers and artists in the years since its publication.Kafka's classic on family, fatherhood, salesmanship, wise men, and insects.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Print length

48 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Kessinger Publishing
Publication date

September 10, 2010
Dimensions

7.5 x 0.1 x 9.25 inches
ISBN-10

1162702141
ISBN-13

978-1162702148
Lexile measure

1340L
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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kessinger Publishing (September 10, 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1162702141
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1162702148
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1340L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.52 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.1 x 9.25 inches

Customer Reviews:
4.1 11,970 ratings

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Franz Kafka
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Franz Kafka was born in 1883 in Prague, where he lived most of his life. During his lifetime, he published only a few short stories, including “The Metamorphosis,” “The Judgment,” and “The Stoker.” He died in 1924, before completing any of his full-length novels. At the end of his life, Kafka asked his lifelong friend and literary executor Max Brod to burn all his unpublished work. Brod overrode those wishes.
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Franz Kafka (Praga, Imperio austrohúngaro, 3 de julio de 1883 - Kierling, Austria, 3 de junio de 1924) fue un escritor de origen judío nacido en Bohemia que escribió en alemán. Su obra está considerada una de las más influyentes de la literatura universal y está llena de temas y arquetipos sobre la alienación, la brutalidad física y psicológica, los conflictos entre padres e hijos, personajes en aventuras terroríficas, laberintos de burocracia, y transformaciones místicas.
Fue autor de tres novelas, El proceso (Der Prozeß), El castillo (Das Schloß) y El desaparecido (Amerika o Der Verschollene), la novela corta La metamorfosis (Die Verwandlung) y un gran número de relatos cortos. Además, dejó una abundante correspondencia y escritos autobiográficos. Su peculiar estilo literario ha sido comúnmente asociado con la filosofía artística del existencialismo --al que influenció-- y el expresionismo. Estudiosos de Kafka discuten sobre cómo interpretar al autor, algunos hablan de la posible influencia de alguna ideología política antiburocrática, de una religiosidad mística o de una reivindicación de su minoría etnocultural, mientras otros se fijan en el contenido psicológico de sus obras. Sus relaciones personales también tuvieron gran impacto en su escritura, particularmente su padre (Carta al padre), su prometida Felice Bauer (Cartas a Felice) y su hermana (Cartas a Ottla).
El término kafkiano se usa en el idioma español para describir situaciones surrealistas como las que se encuentran en sus libros y tiene sus equivalentes en otros idiomas. Solo unas pocas de sus obras fueron publicadas durante su vida. La mayor parte, incluyendo trabajos incompletos, fueron publicados por su amigo Max Brod, quien ignoró los deseos del autor de que los manuscritos fueran destruidos.
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Ginger Gillenwater
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Thomas B. Lanigan

great, sad, read it.

Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023

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Simple, easy to read, and a very emotionally evocative tale of rejection and acceptance of the unnatural. Gregor couldn’t fit in to the concept of a human family, he was the black sheep, and lost bread-winner, and they all adapted.

3 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

Entertaining horror listening 🎶🔰

Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2023

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This was $0.15 on Amazon.

I listened 🎶 to this as part of the Classic Tales of Horror - 500+ Stories. It was very interesting with well developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to the conclusion. I would highly recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of fantasy horror novels. 2023 😀👒☺🏡

One person found this helpful

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PAUL CHIODO

Just okay

Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2018

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Kind of confusing. If not for the fact of seeing a picture of the "bug" that Gregor had become, I don't think I could've pictured it by the description given in the story. Also, as said by others, it is never revealed why this person changed. Would a mother really give up on her son as such in the book? I don't think so. I only read as curiosity got the better of me. That & the fact it was very short. Might make a good "Twilight Zone" type of movie. (Unless it is already, & I didn't know it.) Anyway, 3 stars is the best I can do.

One person found this helpful

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Robert Holloway

One the greatest books ever written - period - only 74 pages.

Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024

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A book that will stay with you for ever. Profound meaning. Crucial reading.

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Torrealta

A Historical Artifact

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2012

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Blessedly, this is a short read. The story juxtaposes one fantastic event--the protagonist changing overnight into a beetle from a traveling salesman supporting his parents and sister--against a backdrop of realism. The protagonist spends the remainder of his life in the family's apartment, almost entirely in his bedroom--spoiler alert--eventually starving himself to death, to the ultimate relief of his family, whose members have become self-sufficient, no longer dependent on his income and repelled by his appearance.
Two matters--at least--exceeded my willing suspension of disbelief: the metamorphosis itself was unexplained, as was the family's recognition of the beetle as indeed their family member. Why did he change? Why did the family not conclude that the protagonist was a giant insect that had eaten its family member?
The book is short and contains some details about everyday life (the strength of historical fiction by the way), but other writers cover that ground as well or better. The story is simple, as is its narration, and it is hard to see its merit from a modern perspective. Perhaps the relation of interior thought in a novel was innovative at that time. Or perhaps this particular translation stripped down eloquent German into simple English. As a novel, I think this work can best be appreciated from a historical perspective. Otherwise, it can be appreciated for philosophical and psychological observations.
Why read it? It is often mentioned in critical writing, and doesn't take long to read.

4 people found this helpful

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Helen Macapagal

The Metaphorposis

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024

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Excellent package and book to read!

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Xan. Belzley

Portable and well translated!

Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2016

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This is a well-translated, very portable version of a truly extraordinary book. If you're looking for the most affordable version of The Metamorphosis, this is the best fit I've found! It's clear and engaging, and has slightly simpler vocabulary than many. This means it would be great for a classroom setting or as a gift for a younger reader, a current English learner, or anyone who doesn't enjoy being sent to the dictionary when they're trying to enjoy a book. The story itself is fresh as ever--while this isn't personally my favorite of Kafka's work, I love the absurdism and the economy of language that he employs within it! I was very pleased with the binding quality as well, and there are several amusing graphics inside the book that made it just that bit more fun to read. The biggest selling point for me personally was the size-- I'm a pack rat, so it is often difficult to find books that will fit wherever I need them to. This has made a wonderful addition to my commute this week, for the price of a Starbucks order or a single decent sock. You can't go wrong!

15 people found this helpful

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Hodge Dunkin

A great novel. Poor quality print layout because the font that is used is tiny.

Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023

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This is a very thin copy of the novel and unfortunately this is accomplished with a tiny font. This also has the effect of making it difficult to keep your place while reading as you are faced with a wall of dense text that has little in the way of variation in the lines. This copy could definitely use the services of a professional typesetter.

2 people found this helpful

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May Ortiz

Buena edición

Reviewed in Mexico on November 23, 2023

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Buena edición, sin tantas faltas de ortografía.

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bro

came in good condition

Reviewed in Germany on January 9, 2024

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Looking forward to reading it

ND

A Timeless Classic That Left Me Mesmerized

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2023

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I recently delved into Franz Kafka's masterpiece, "The Metamorphosis," and I was utterly captivated from start to finish. This novella is an absolute gem, deserving of every single one of its five stars.

Kafka's storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. He weaves a tale that is both profoundly thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. As we follow the bizarre transformation of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, into an insect, Kafka masterfully explores themes of isolation, alienation, and the absurdity of human existence.

What struck me the most was Kafka's ability to make us empathize with Gregor's plight, despite his grotesque transformation. The way he depicts Gregor's internal struggle and the reactions of his family and society is both tragic and darkly comical.

The prose in this edition, beautifully translated into English, maintains the essence of Kafka's original work. The writing is elegant, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in this surreal world. It's a testament to the enduring power of Kafka's words that this novella continues to resonate with readers across generations.

In summary, "The Metamorphosis" is a literary masterpiece that deserves a place on every bookshelf. Its exploration of the human condition, coupled with Kafka's unparalleled storytelling, makes it a must-read for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking literature. I highly recommend this edition, and I can't wait to explore more of Kafka's works.

2 people found this helpful

Rahul Chatterjee

An average family mans journey in less than 100 pages

Reviewed in India on September 16, 2023

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After reading the book over 11 times and doing a going through a lots of philosophies I have finally decided time write a review for the most famous Kafkaesque..

So here it goes. Please pardon me with the long analysis, but I couldn’t define it in any less words.

"Metamorphosis" is a novella written by Franz Kafka, published in 1915. It's a complex and enigmatic work that has been the subject of extensive literary analysis and philosophical interpretation. Here's a comprehensive analysis and philosophy of the book:

Absurdity of existence :

Kafka's "Metamorphosis" delves into the absurdity of human existence. The protagonist, Gregor Samsa, wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect. This sudden and inexplicable change highlights the unpredictability and irrationality of life. It's a metaphor for how our lives can take unexpected and absurd turns, leading us to question the meaning and purpose of our existence.

Alienation and Isolation:

Gregor's transformation into an insect isolates him from society and his family. This alienation mirrors Kafka's own feelings of detachment from the world. The novella explores how modern life can make individuals feel disconnected from others and themselves, leading to profound loneliness and despair.

The Burden of Responsibility:

Gregor's sense of duty and responsibility towards his family keeps him in a state of subjugation. He continues to work as a traveling salesman to support his family's needs even in his insect form. This theme highlights the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism, where individuals are reduced to mere cogs in the machinery of society.

The Absurdity of Bureaucracy:

Kafkaesque elements are prevalent throughout the novella, reflecting Kafka's own experiences with bureaucracy. The family's interactions with clerks, doctors, and supervisors illustrate the senselessness and frustration that can arise from dealing with bureaucratic institutions. This reflects a broader critique of modern society's dehumanizing and bewildering structures.

The Family Dynamic:

Gregor's transformation strains his family's relationships. His family initially relies on him for financial support, but as he becomes a burden, their attitudes change. This dynamic explores themes of dependence, guilt, and the fragile nature of familial bonds.

The Quest for Identity:

Gregor's transformation forces him to reevaluate his identity. He grapples with his new physical form and the rejection he faces from his family. This prompts a deeper exploration of the fluidity and instability of human identity, raising questions about the nature of self and how society defines us.

Suffering and Redemption:

Gregor's life, both before and after his transformation, is marked by suffering. His ultimate demise can be seen as a form of release from his burdens, suggesting a theme of redemption through suffering. This idea aligns with existentialist and religious interpretations of suffering as a path to self-discovery and transcendence.

In conclusion, "Metamorphosis" is a work rich in philosophical themes and literary symbolism. It offers a poignant commentary on the human condition, the absurdity of existence, and the alienating forces of modern society. Kafka's exploration of identity, isolation, and bureaucracy continues to resonate with readers and serves as a timeless reflection on the complexities of being human.

127 people found this helpful

Anon Reviewer

Large Print

Reviewed in France on August 17, 2023

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J'ignorais au moment de la commande qu'il s'agissait d'un Large Print. Très bonne surprise puisque j'aime les grandes ecritures bien lisible.
Le contenu du livre en lui même vous jugerez vous même.
Concernant la traduction elle semble avoir été corrigé contrairement à ce que j'ai lu dans les commentaires. Le mien à la bonne traduction.
Il est super léger 72 pages (large feuilles) pas de préfaces ni introduction.
Simple. Minimaliste et en Anglais.

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