Metamorphisis

“Metamorphisis” and its psychoanalytic influence.

Although Franz Kafka lived alone in some degree of self-imposed isolation for

much of his life, Kafka did have many interests. He studied Einstein's theory of relativity

and Freud's as well as Jung’s writings on psychoanalysis. Kafka's early writings clearly

reflect his skepticism and the pain he feels from his social and parental isolation. In fact,

most of Kafka's writing is filled with anxiety, largely caused by his tyrannical father and

his uncertainty about his bachelorhood. Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” reveals certain

psychoanalytical influence of his time.

We can see how Kafka applies his Freud’s influences in "The Metamorphosis".

He transforms his main character into an insect because that is probably the lowest form

of life. According To Freud, “unconscious conflicts over repressed wishes may express

themselves in dreams and "Freudian slips;". Even though in this scenarion Kafka makes a

dream into a reality, the concept is still the same. Gregor feels like he is worthless and

therefore is a bug at the bottom of the natural order. He appears to have a sense of

isolation who is driven to work long hours in meaningless jobs around people who only

care about themselves. Through Gregor, Kafka presents a totally tragic view of man's

existence.

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