Representations of Absurdity and Existentialism in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: An Analytical Approach in Light of Existential Philosophy

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the manifestations of absurdity as portrayed by Franz Kafka in his novel The Metamorphosis, through an in-depth analysis of the turbulent human reality experienced by his characters. These characters suffer from the complexities and challenges of modern society, including the disintegration of familial bonds and the absence of emotional understanding, which deepens their sense of isolation and alienation. Kafka reflects these existential concerns to illustrate the capacity of modern individuals to adapt to a world characterized by ambiguity and absurdity, a world that imposes increasing psychological and social pressures. This study focuses on the concepts of absurdity and alienation as fundamental pillars of existential thought, particularly through an examination of the character of Gregor Samsa, who undergoes a profound existential decline, ultimately reduced to a sub-human state as a result of the harsh conditions imposed by his family and society. Accordingly, this research seeks to analyze the dimensions of absurdity and alienation in the novel, with particular emphasis on the psychological and social transformations experienced by Gregor Samsa, in order to uncover the deeper implications of this experience within the context of existential literature.