What Kafkaesque Examples Can You Find In The Metamorphosis?1

"The Metamorphosis" is a quintessential work of Kafka, known for its surreal and disturbing exploration of alienation and the absurdity of existence. Two significant Kafkaesque examples are evident in the novella.
Gregor Samsa's Transformation:
The most iconic Kafkaesque element in the story is Gregor Samsa's abrupt and inexplicable transformation into a monstrous insect. This sudden metamorphosis shatters the boundaries of reality, plunging the reader into a world where the unimaginable becomes real. This transformation is absurd, defying all logical explanations and leaving Gregor isolated from the human world. This portrayal of a protagonist grappling with an incomprehensible and dehumanizing change reflects Kafka's recurring theme of individuals facing absurd and nightmarish situations that disrupt their sense of self and belonging.
Gregor's family's reaction to his transformation also highlights the Kafkaesque nature of the narrative. Instead of expressing compassion or understanding, they respond with bureaucratic indifference and emotional distance. His family, who should provide support and care, instead treats him as an inconvenience, an object to be managed. This portrayal underscores the dehumanizing effects of modern society, where human relationships are reduced to functional and mechanical interactions. The absurdity of Gregor's transformation is exacerbated by the cold, calculating responses of those around him, reflecting Kafka's critique of a society that prioritizes efficiency over humanity.
The Office Manager's Visit:
Another Kafkaesque example in the novella is the visit from the office manager to Gregor's home. This character embodies authoritarianism and represents the oppressive power structures that Kafka often criticized. The office manager's presence disrupts the already chaotic household, further emphasizing the dehumanizing impact of the modern workplace. His visit underscores the themes of powerlessness and the struggle against impersonal forces that are prevalent in Kafka's works.
The office manager's demeanor and his interactions with the Samsa family reveal the absurdity and arbitrariness of authority. His intrusion into their private lives echoes the sense of intrusion and surveillance that Kafka frequently explored in his writings. This visit amplifies the family's humiliation and vulnerability, highlighting the arbitrary nature of power in Kafka's world.