Panganiban, Roman Cyril A.

English 12

2008 03955

May 11, 2012

Microcosm of Society
(Reaction Paper on The Metamorphosis and The Plague)
Existentialism concerns with finding ones self and the meaning of life not through
morals and religion but through free will, choice, and personal responsibility. The belief is that
people are searching to find out who and what they are throughout life as they make choices
based on their experiences, beliefs, and outlook and that personal choices become unique without
the necessity of an objective form of truth. An existentialist believes that a person should be
forced to choose and be responsible without the help of laws, ethnic rules, or traditions.
Existentialism is the main theme of Kafkas The Metamorphosis and Camus The Plague.
In The Metamorphosis, the consequence of transformation of the main character into a
giant insect is the main theme. The Metamorphosis is seen as a main promoter of existentialism,
the aforementioned philosophical movement. Kafka portrays Gregor as an individual profoundly
lacking an identity or a description of self. The flashbacks of his past are not emotional because
his human life is seen to revolve solely around fiscal matters whilst his social life is stagnant due
to his failure to assert an identity. The extent of his lack of individuality is further exemplified by
his reaction to the metamorphosis. Gregors identity crisis shows an exceedingly impersonal
society where individualism is seen as a result of excessive materialism. Another dominant
theme seen is the absurd situation Gregor is confronted by. These senseless happenings that
permeate the fiction reflect the world as seen from the existentialist perspective that our world is
a world absent of a rational and comprehensive objective. Existentialists say that every existing
thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance. This
meaninglessness of life is precisely what Gregor is victim to in the microcosm of society. A
combination of plot and character was used to convey his angst concerning an apparently
pointless existence. Freedom or lack of it is another existentialist view that is seen in the story.
Gregor is depicted as someone constrained by self-imposed burdens. Despite having the freedom
to reject this role, Gregor instead pursues it. This is not due to personal desire, but rather the

belief that he must provide for his family. Gregors delusion regarding an absence of choice
contradicts what Kafka perceives as the truth which is that freedom is universal in spite of any
ethical obligations we are expected of, and that the individual defines his or herself via ones
decisions which existentialists say that existence precedes essence. Existentialist aspects of
society and life are seen in The Metamorphosis. It can be interpreted as a tirade against
impersonal communities, restriction of freedom, and the absurdity of life.
On the other hand, in The Plague, Existentialism is the ultimate ingredient. It shows ideas
of which absurdities of human life and society is one. The Plague is a product of Existentialism
and history since it somehow has a historical background to it having its author part of the
French Resistance during World War II. Some even say that The Plague is all about the German
invasion. Existentialists point out that alienation derives from the tension between volition and
various relationships and this is depicted in The Plague. It affects every character in a negative
way because the concept carries with it the notion of the inability of a person to know another
with any certainty no matter how often or long he or she gets along with him or her. The entire
town share a common feeling of exile, suffering and alienation from the outside world because of
the plague. The meaning of the plague for some characters who develop their own approach to
life, as the plague becomes a way of life, is suffering and as what Father Peneloux perceives it is
a punishment caused by human passions and sins. The multitude of perspectives is another
ingredient of Camuss The Plague which is greatly seen between the doctor and the priest. The
stoic attitude of Dr. Rieux evolves into his existentialist perspective, which then encourages him
to see beyond lifes sufferings and absurdities. He believes that will and experience are the best
painkillers and stays firm in his cause of treating the victims of the plague. On the other hand, the
priest relies mostly on reason and destiny and thinks that he argues in behalf of God, who
becomes the ideal healer and savior. The task of finding solace for the majority, if not all, of the
people is entrusted to the experienced doctor and scholastic priest. They have their different
understanding of life and/or existence. Here, existence which precedes essence and does not
surpass and is marked by ambiguity, not by meaninglessness. Every meaning and value people
set for them is of their own creation. Once everybody agrees to set his/her interpretations and
values of life, which are not detrimental to those of others, a common decency emerges. From
this common decency derives common good and happiness.

Albert Camuss The Plague and Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis have shaken the
foundations of thought and conduct of many people. What makes these texts become appealing
to people aside from the fact that they are concerned basically with human beings and their
attitudes and attributes is a question for the readers to answer after reading. It is not easy to ask
questions like these especially if they give the inquisitor as well as the respondent some
problems. For me, the two literary works are appealing because it shows you a microcosm of
yourself and the society you are in. It reflects who you are and the environment that affects you.
You see what the society can become or what the society already is at the present.