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Jaivien Settle

December 11,2017

3rd Block

Annotated Bibliography

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Kafka, Franz, and Stanley Corngold. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Bantam Books, 1972.

As Kafka’s book begins, he puts the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, in a very strange

position by transforming him into a beetle like creature. This opens the door for very thought

heavy and interesting self reflections from Gregor, as he figures out how he can take care of his

family, being the only person who works, explain his circumstance to his harrowing manager,

and possibly find out how his transformation occured. While reading, Kafka writes in such a way

that you almost feel as though you are in Gregor’s shoes. As I read, I found myself asking

questions whether I would try to save my job and image, like Gregor, or try to seek help and

reverse the process.

Bernofsky, Susan. “On Translating Kafka's "The Metamorphosis".” The New Yorker,
The New Yorker, 18 June 2017,

This article dives deeper into the hidden and unmentioned meanings behind the actions

that Kafka took, while writing the book. Susan Bernofsky tells about the various german words

that describe not only how Gregor Samsa appears, which is left to the imagination of the reader,

but also gives important translation, which can help the reader to understand the enigmatic nature

of parts of The Metamorphosis.

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Shmoop Editorial Team. “The Metamorphosis.” Shmoop, Shmoop University, 11 Nov. 2008,

Found within this editorial, is the summarization of the story and predicament of Gregor

Samsa. It also reveals that his last name translates to a synonym for deeply disturbed alienation.

This type of underlying message, I feel this is very important for the analyzation the story, as it

helps the reader understand the confusing nature of The Metamorphosis. The article also

discusses how Kafka had been pressured to become a successful businessman, like his father,

how he had felt immense alienation due to him living in Prague in anti-semitic times, and how

his book, is a way for him to express his feelings of loneliness and animosity toward him.

“Gregor Samsa Symbolizes Change in Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.” Gregor Samsa

Symbolizes Change in Metamorphosis by Franz... | Bartleby,

This source begins, by describing what change is, how it affects others, and how it is the central

theme of The Metamorphosis. The article talks in short, about how Kafka symbolizes the effects

of change, through Gregor’s interactions with his family and through his inner thoughts. The

article also evaluates the emotionally despondent situation that Gregor has between his family,

which is synonymous with the personal life of Franz Kafka.

Ryan, Michael P. “Samsa and Samsara: Suffering, death, and rebirth in "The Metamorphosis".”
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German Quarterly, American Association of Teachers of German, 1 Apr. 1999,

In this source, Michael P takes a different route, when handling The Metamorphosis. He starts by

stating that the variety of suffering, which plagued Kafka’s life, is well documented. He claims

that Kafka’s disposition is the reason for the abnormal feelings, received, while reading his

stories. Michael also talks about how Kafka knew of the profoundness of samsara, which is the

cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound.
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Works Cited

Kafka, Franz, and Stanley Corngold. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Bantam Books, 1972.

Bernofsky, Susan. “On Translating Kafka's "The Metamorphosis".” The New Yorker, The New
Yorker, 18 June 2017, www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/on-translating-kafkas-the-
metamorphosis.

Shmoop Editorial Team. “The Metamorphosis.” Shmoop, Shmoop University, 11 Nov. 2008,
www.shmoop.com/metamorphosis/.

“Gregor Samsa Symbolizes Change in Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.” Gregor Samsa

Symbolizes Change in Metamorphosis by Franz... | Bartleby,
www.bartleby.com/essay/Gregor-Samsa-Symbolizes-Change-in-Metamorphosis-by-
P3J2QAZZTC.

Ryan, Michael P. “Samsa and Samsara: Suffering, death, and rebirth in "The Metamorphosis".”
German Quarterly, American Association of Teachers of German, 1 Apr. 1999,
www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-46123403/samsa-and-samsara-suffering-death-and-
rebirth-in.