Dear AP students:
Two terms I want you to be acquainted with are "Surrealism" and "Kafkaesque".
Some of you have probably heard the term "Surrealism" or "Surrealistic". You've probably heard someone say somethings like "the scene seemed surrealistic" when describing a weird encounter or setting. Surrealism refers to a literary and/or artistic movement beginning in the 1920's that tried to represent the subconscious mind by creating fantastic imagery and juxtaposing ideas that seem to contradict each other. As they developed the surrealists believed in advocating the idea that ordinary and depictive expressions are vital and important, but that the sense of their arrangement must be open to the full range of imagination, just as you might experience things in a dream. To quote one source, "beside the use of dream analysis, the Surrealists emphasized that 'one could combine inside the same frame, elements not normally found together to produce illogical and startling effects.'" If you are an Art History buff, you might call to mind the art work of Salvador Dali as a perfect example of Surrealism. Dali is the arist of the painting at th etop of this entry.
Some people lump Franz Kafka in with the surrealists because of his use of devices such as a man experiencing life as a bug (sounds like something from a dream, doesn't it?).
What do you think? Does The Metamorphosis fall into the category of Surrealism? Does it feel Surrealistic to you?
Second, the term "Kafkaesque" is one of those terms that's frequently used as a popular and effective cultural allusion. The term is a reference to the type of stories that Kafka usually wrote--by that people mean stories that are nightmarish, bizarre, or illogical. If you were to say that someone leads a Kafkaesque lifestyle that would probably not be taken as a compliment, unless that person prided themselves in being bizarre (and there are probably some of you out there that might take pride in believing you are Kafkaesque!!!) Do any of you have an experience in your life that felt Kafkaesque? How about a book you have read? Or a movie?
So it is the beginning of the new year, and with that comes the desire to have new year's resolutions. Our attempt to become better people!! To celebrate the new year I want you to play the role of Gregor Samsa, and think of what one of his new year's resolutions might have been had he had the good fortune of morphing back into a human being. For example, he might have thought/wrote..."I Gregor Samsa resolve to get a new and better job. I am tired of being a salesman. I hate going to my office, and I hate my boss. And I don't think I make enough money to support my family and send my sister to school. I will start looking in the want ads today !!" Give it a try by including your own Samsa new years resolution as a blog entry.
Two terms I want you to be acquainted with are "Surrealism" and "Kafkaesque".
Some of you have probably heard the term "Surrealism" or "Surrealistic". You've probably heard someone say somethings like "the scene seemed surrealistic" when describing a weird encounter or setting. Surrealism refers to a literary and/or artistic movement beginning in the 1920's that tried to represent the subconscious mind by creating fantastic imagery and juxtaposing ideas that seem to contradict each other. As they developed the surrealists believed in advocating the idea that ordinary and depictive expressions are vital and important, but that the sense of their arrangement must be open to the full range of imagination, just as you might experience things in a dream. To quote one source, "beside the use of dream analysis, the Surrealists emphasized that 'one could combine inside the same frame, elements not normally found together to produce illogical and startling effects.'" If you are an Art History buff, you might call to mind the art work of Salvador Dali as a perfect example of Surrealism. Dali is the arist of the painting at th etop of this entry.
Some people lump Franz Kafka in with the surrealists because of his use of devices such as a man experiencing life as a bug (sounds like something from a dream, doesn't it?).
What do you think? Does The Metamorphosis fall into the category of Surrealism? Does it feel Surrealistic to you?
Second, the term "Kafkaesque" is one of those terms that's frequently used as a popular and effective cultural allusion. The term is a reference to the type of stories that Kafka usually wrote--by that people mean stories that are nightmarish, bizarre, or illogical. If you were to say that someone leads a Kafkaesque lifestyle that would probably not be taken as a compliment, unless that person prided themselves in being bizarre (and there are probably some of you out there that might take pride in believing you are Kafkaesque!!!) Do any of you have an experience in your life that felt Kafkaesque? How about a book you have read? Or a movie?
So it is the beginning of the new year, and with that comes the desire to have new year's resolutions. Our attempt to become better people!! To celebrate the new year I want you to play the role of Gregor Samsa, and think of what one of his new year's resolutions might have been had he had the good fortune of morphing back into a human being. For example, he might have thought/wrote..."I Gregor Samsa resolve to get a new and better job. I am tired of being a salesman. I hate going to my office, and I hate my boss. And I don't think I make enough money to support my family and send my sister to school. I will start looking in the want ads today !!" Give it a try by including your own Samsa new years resolution as a blog entry.
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DeleteFranz Kafka's Metamorphosis would definitely fall under the category of surrealism. One obvious reason is the fact that it features a human being transforming into a hideous bug creature, something very unworldly and bizarre. However, surrealism can be interpreted as a look into the abstract and not fully understood realm of the human brain. Our brains of course contain fragments of our perceptions of the real world and when we dream, this real world is mixed with very abstract images. This is exactly the case in the Metamorphosis where a something surreal and impossible (a giant bug creature) is mixed with the very real world. It is very much like a dream except in this story, it results in some very realistic and tragic consequences.
ReplyDeleteKafka's unique style of writing and storytelling has created the term "Kafkaesque" in which very illogical, absurd and darkly strange things occur. In my life I cannot say that I have experienced anything particularly "Kafkaesque" (unless I turn into a giant bug tomorrow, in which case I will be sure to contact you as soon as possible). However, there are a couple films I have seen that are very "Kafkaesque". One filmmaker that stands out as very similar to Kafka is David Cronenburg who specializes in very dark and strange stories that usually result in tragedy. The best and most relevant example is his film the fly in which the main character finds himself transformed into a monstrous fly creature (in this case through a flawed experiment) and is alienated from the people he loves. In addition, the work of Darren Aronofsky is very Kafkaesque in that his films are very surreal and psychological and is exemplified in such works such as A Requiem for a Dream (in which drug-addicts slowly morph into hollow and sickly forms of their former selves) and most recently The Black Swan in which a prima-ballerina starts to believe she is transforming into the title swan, although there is debate if it really was just a delusion caused by her stress.
As for my Gregor Samsa New Years Resolution: "I will now actively seek out the reason as to my previous transformation because something like that shouldn't be taken lightly and definitely deserves to be looked into. Come to think of it, it's very strange that nobody, including myself, ever bothered to seek scientific help or even question how it happened. Who knows? I could make some money out of it.
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ReplyDeleteThe Metamorphosis is without a doubt a very surrealist novella. When Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find that he has transformed into a hideous bug, the surrealists idea that "one could combine inside the same frame, elements not normally found together to produce illogical and startling effects" is introduced, as this giant and very bizarre human-turned-bug remains in the very normal setting of an apartment. I think it is also worth noting that the very fist sentence mentions that Gregor awakes from "unsettling dreams"; the surrealists painters often looked to their dreams for inspiration and they encourage the bizarreness of their dreams and tried to bring that to their paintings. While it is not a significant part of the story, Kafka mentions Gregor's dreams as a nod towards the surrealist movement.
ReplyDeleteAs for the term "Kafkaesque," I can't really say I have ever experienced such a moment in my life. However, I do get that sense when looking at paintings. Even paintings that are not technically considered surreal; for example, Francis Bacon's paintings often evoke nightmarish feelings, especially in this piece: http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD%3AE%3A272&page_number=1&template_id=1&sort_order=1
As for Gregor's New Years resolution, although I think it would be nice to say that he would have liked to find a better job or spend more time with his family, I don't think that would be the case. I think if Gregor transformed back into a human, the first thing he would resolve to do would be to get his job back with the hopes of advancing his position. Ultimately, I think Gregor's biggest wish would be to send Grete to the conservatory to play the violin. Even though it seems very superficial that Gregor would want to continue his life in the same manner as before, he does it because he really does care about his family's well being, especially his younger sister.
Alana Bock, period 1
How can one not say The Metamorphosis does not fit into the category of surrealism? As Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a larger than life insect, he dares to disregard the reason for his transformation, but to worry about his job and how he will get out of bed and get dressed for work. Who does this? If I ever woke up in a new and transformed body I would be completely shocked and wonder why has this happened to me? how is it even possible? Every day movies show the swapping of bodies, the first thing that comes out of their mouth is "What the ... " Just the fact that Gregor shows indifference to his transformation develops a surrealistic style of writing.
ReplyDeleteAlong with everyone else, I can't say I've experienced this "Kafkaesque" moment in my life. Kyle stole the first thing that came to my mind when I was reading this novel. The idea in the movie Black Swan. How Natalie Portman develops into her character, The Black Swan, and it is unclear whether her transformation is merely an illusion or reality.
As for Gregor's New Year's Resolution: I think it would be along the lines of getting back to that steady workhorse for his family but also setting aside time for a social life and being able to send Crete to the Conservatory.
-Alec Vicedo, Period 2
The Metamorphosis definitely would fall into the category of surrealism. The description of Gregor's life after transformation is very much like something that would be in a dream - very realistic, yet illogical. The way Kafka describes the appearance, the pains, and the movement of Gregor is obviously life-like. Yet at the same time, Gregor doesn't question his transformation, nor does anyone else. Like in a dream, this type of magic just happens, no reason needed.
ReplyDeleteGoing through a haunted house would be "Kafkaesque," but only because it was set up to be that way. The way the lights flash or the way that strange things pop out at you while you're walking is certainly not something that would appear in everyday life. But even if people know that it is not real, they still feel the adrenaline rush and fear as they go on with their path. An example of a Kafkaesque movie would be "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." In this movie, a former couple decides to undergo a procedure in which they forget the memories of their relationship. As the guy is erasing his memories, he goes goes through his past experiences in his mind; along the way, he shrinks down, when he visits his earlier childhood, meets faceless people, and so on.
And for Gregor's new year's resolution, he would probably focus on getting promoted. Since he is so focused on his work, even with his transformation, he would make it his first priority, even if he does hate working as a traveling salesman. All he wants to do is get money for his family and pay off their debt.
-Vernice Rodil
The idea of a hideous bug appearing in the ordinary setting of a man's apartment is definitely surrealistic. Gregor's transformation is only a temporary worry as he is more worried about his human troubles such as his job, his family, and financial concerns. In a way this is similar to dreams. Although we explore through different settings and situations, the dreams we dream are inherently related and derived from our own life experiences. If surrealists create their work based on their dreams, and elements of dreams are shared in the novel - then the law of syllogism indicates that this novel is very surreal.
ReplyDeleteUpon learning the definition of kafkaesque, the first thing that pops into my head is Luna Lovegood. I try my very best not to reference anything related to Harry Potter ever but Luna is about as odd as it gets. What kind of crazy person babbles on about animals that don't exist and carries themselves with an air of certainty about uncertain things?
New Year's Resolution - Obtain a better job to live a better life not run by debt, unhappiness, and loneliness. That or find some way to super size himself and wreak havoc on his boss to take over the company and repay his parent's debt.
The Metamorphosis does in fact fall into the category of Surrealism. From the beginning I was under the impression that Kafka placed the reader in a dream or nightmare of the protagonist. When I continued to read on the author’s use of magical realism convinced me that the situation Gregor woke up in is that of a bizarre reality. Even though the metamorphosis to an insect is true reality for Gregor in the novella, to a reader it will most likely come off as some sort of dream or a story of over the top imagination. In addition, this also is strongly related to the concept of absurdity found in the novella. Throughout the novella Gregor is taking on the behaviors of an insect but continues to have human thoughts. As an insect, Gregor is still concerned about the poor economic situation of his family and helping his sister, Grete go to on to better her musical talents. While he is pondering these human concerns, he is also tending to his insect desires and crawling on the ceiling and walls of his room. The idea of a human morphing into a bug is definitely surrealistic, and to many, could only possibly happen in a dream.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I have not have any experiences in my life that have felt Kafkaesque. Although last year I took AP Art History and we of course, had to go over the Surrealist art movement of the twentieth century. One painting that I would describe as Kafkaesque would be Giorgio’s de Chirico’s The Mystery and Melancholy of a Street. The painting is both nightmarish and bizarre. The painting is filled with shadows and what appears to be an abandoned building, one of which is an empty opened wheeled cart. In the foreground a little girl runs with a hoop and a larger shadow looms towards her. The painting gives of an ominous feel and the viewer is left to question what will happen to the girl or if any of what they are looking at is real.
If I were to take the place of Gregor, my new years resolution would be, “Now that I have resumed into the normal state and have learned much from my unexpected transformation I will go out into the world to pursue to be successful in a job I have passion for. I will stop lurking around as a weary traveling salesman and support my family with a job I will be happy with. I will focus my efforts on not only making my parents proud but keeping myself happy.”
Jema Celeste
Metamorphosis seems to be the epitome of Surrealist literature. Although the emotions, the thought process, and the other elements excluding the transformation seems quite normal, the fact that Gregor turned into a bug shifts this book to fall under this category. Also, like in dreams, the reason for his transformation or the process wasn't explained. The novel seemed to pick up right in the middle-in media res, i believe the term is-just like in a dream. Most of us don't remember the beginning of a dream or how we got in a certain location or in a certain position. During the dream, we usually don't question it either. Rationality and logic isn't as thorough as it is in waking life. So this dream-like essence makes this novel a surrealist work.
ReplyDeleteThe closest thing I can think of that falls under "Kafkaesque" is the film Sucker Punch. The film is about a girl who has had a tragic childhood and ends up in a horrible place (I refrain from explaining in detail because I don't think it is all that important to my explanation, and it isn't that appropriate). To cope with her horrible surroundings the girl finds refuge in her imagination as she dances. She pictures herself and the others around her as fighters trying to escape and win a battle. In this way she is also able to find motivation to improve her life and find a way out of her imprisonment. It's "Kafkaesque" the transitions between fantasy and reality is blurred, and very sudden. This leaves the audience both confused and uncomfortable. Fantasy seems very bizarre, dramatic, and unrelated. The battlegrounds of fantasy and the equally horrifying reality creates a dramatic film that is nightmarish and almost unbelievable.
As for Gregor's New Years Resolution, I don't believe he'd have one. Either that, or I don't think Gregor would have a resolution that would be all that dramatic and life-changing. I agree with Alana in that Gregor would probably attempt to gain back his old position and send his sister to the Conservatory. If anything, I think Gregor would only work harder to make up for the troubles he put his family through.
It is easy to say that the text is leaning more towards surrealism rather than being Kafkaesque because of how it started. Kafka began his story when Samsa wakes up and realizes that he turned into a bug. Despite this bizarre encounter, Samsa continues to stress about his job and how he needs to get to work immediately to avoid trouble. Also, the idea of putting together a bug life in a human frame is a weird collaboration of elements in a story. Also, the fact that the bug-like creature was an extended metaphor makes the bizarre event logical, therefore, a counterexample of Kafkaesque style.
ReplyDeleteAs for Samsa's New Year's Resolution, " I Gregory Samsa, resolve to allow time for myself. I will find a job that will support my family and at the same time will keep me happy. I will not settle for what is easy to find, but instead look further for greater opportunities that I can enjoy. I will spend more time with my family and support my sister in her future."
- Gabriela Lavadia
The Metamorphosis is definitely an example of surrealism. Kafka creates his imagery by juxtaposing a man who is suddenly living as an insect with a seemingly normal family just trying to get by; a completely fantastic idea. Gregor also continues to focus on his daily routine of getting up and going to the office as a traveling salesman without regards to the fact that he is a bug. These very bizarre situations mixed with a real environment adds to the surrealism of the story. Nothing too bizarre has ever happened to me that would necessarily qualify as kafkaesque, however, I have to agree with Melissa's comments about Alice in Wonderland being kafkaesque. Alice shrinks down to fall through the rabbit hole and meets inanimate objects which take on human like qualities. For example, Alice gets directions from talking flowers and the Cheshire cat who keeps disappearing then reappearing. Later she returns to normal human size and returns to the real world. Bizarre.
ReplyDeleteAs for Gregor's new years resolution, he should resolve to either find a better job or make the best of the one he already has. He must build a better relationship with his family so they are not so dependent on him. Lastly he should fully support his sister just like she supported him in his abnormal condition.
Kelly Clemmons
The Metamorphosis is a perfect example of surrealism. The whole idea of a human morphing into an insect and living a whole new life is that of a dream, or maybe a nightmare. I agree with Kelly when she says it is also bizarre how Gregor continues to worry about making it to work on time even though he is an insect. This left me confused, I was constantly wondering if Gregor realized he was a bug or not. Who would worry about work when they are suddenly morphed into a bug? In my life, nothing really jumps out as being surreal or Kafkaesque. However, there are many movies that could fit that description. One movie that I think could be considered Kafkaesque could be Children of Men. This movie is set in the future when the human race has lost its ability to reproduce and a man is protecting the last pregnant woman. This idea of a society unable to reproduce is very strange and is likely to never happen, just merely screenplay.
ReplyDeleteIf I were Gregor I think I would resolve to worry about my own well-being a little bit. He seemed to worry a lot about his family while he was an insect, yet he never worried about himself. He never expressed worry towards his metamorphosis, just about how his family members would have to support themselves. Also, I would resolve to get a better job for my own happiness.
Eva Zaremba
The Metamorphosis definitely fits into the category of surrealism. Waking up one day to find yourself randomly transformed into a giant bug and then to still place priority on concerns about your job is something that certainly would not happen in the real world. As Kyle said, our dreams do consist of imaginary images and projections, but also retain a sense of the real world in them, which explains Gregor's concern with how he will get to work to provide for his family despite the fact that for no apparent reason he has lost his humanity. For these reasons, this novella does have the characteristics of a surreal work of literature.
ReplyDeleteAs for experiencing anything "kafkaesque" I can't say that I have experienced anything really bizarre or illogical in my life. However, one classic novel that I think fits into the category of being "kafkaesque" is Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. Alice falls into a rabbit hole into a fantasy world whose inhabitants are anthropomorphic characters, who are animals, objects, and other nonliving things that are given human like characteristics. For example, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts are just a few of the characters in this novel that play with our ideas of logic and fantasy. In addition, Alice shrinks one minute and grows enormously large the next simply by eating or drinking different things- certainly illogical and bizarre. Although her adventures turn out to be a dream, this is not known until the end of the story so I think it still qualifies as being "kafkaesque."
Finally, Gregor Samsa's New Year’s Resolution should be to not have his work consume his whole life and work on fixing his relationship with his parents, which has diminished due to his work and their expectant dependency on him financially. He should think about looking for a new job that would provide him with more meaningful relationships in the work sphere, but at the same time allow him to spend time with his family. - Melissa Stencil Per. 2
“The Metamorphosis,” definitely falls into the category of Surrealism. As a former Advanced Art student, I learned about Surrealism and its five techniques: dislocation, transformation, juxtaposition, levitation, and scale change. After reading about Gregor’s metamorphosis, it is easy to identify the Surrealistic techniques depicted in Kafka’s novella. Specifically, the most obvious one is transformation, in which Gregor changes into an insect-like creature. The second Surrealistic element shown in “The Metamorphosis,” is scale change. Gregor is not as small as other bugs; instead he is larger than a typical bug’s size, thus illustrating a form of Surrealism. Finally, a third Surrealistic technique that can also be seen in the novella is dislocation. Since Gregor is a bug, one can assume that a bug would prefer to live out in the wilderness along with other insects instead of a secluded room. Even Gregor’s sister mentions “that it isn’t possible for human beings to live with such a creature,” and that Gregor “would have gone away of his own free will.” Therefore, “The Metamorphosis,” unquestionably feels Surrealistic to me because it incorporates transformation, scale change, and dislocation within the novella.
ReplyDeleteI have not experienced so far anything in my life that has felt Kafkaesque; however, I have seen movies that can certainly be described as Kafkaesque. The American film director, Tim Burton, is famous for movies that are “nightmarish, bizarre, or illogical,” otherwise known as Kafkaesque. Among the many movies he has directed, I have seen Beetlejuice, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Alice in Wonderland, all of which are Surrealistic, but also Kafkaesque. Beetlejuice is simply nightmarish, while the rest of Burton’s films have various scenes that are bizarre and illogical. For instance, in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it was bizarre when Violet turned into a giant blueberry after chewing a piece of gum; and in Alice in Wonderland it seemed illogical for Alice to fall into a large rabbit hole into a bizarre world where her mission was to kill the Jabberwocky. After watching a movie directed by Tim Burton, one would realize that it can be described as being Kafkaesque.
If Gregor Samsa were to transform back into a human being, one of his new year’s resolutions would say something like this: “I Gregor Samsa resolve to convince my former boss to give me back my job as a traveling salesman in order to finish paying off my parents’ debt. I will also finally announce to my family my intention of sending Grete to the Conservatory.”
The Metamorphosis is a prime example of a written work characterized as Surrealism. Kafka focuses on a juxtaposition of the real word to a one of fantasy. This is shown through an average Gregor performing his daily routine of eat, sleep, and work one day. And his transformation into an insect another day. One of Gregor’s main concerns is providing for his family, especially his sister since she is the only one who has truly supported him throughout the whole process.
ReplyDeleteA movie that reflects the concept of "Kafkaesque" is Alice in Wonderland which has been previously mentioned in the above posts. What is interesting about Alice in Wonderland that makes it categorized as a surrealist piece is the fact that inanimate objects comes to life, which makes someone question whether it is real or not.
Gregor’s New Year’s resolution should be finding a more appropriate job that best reflects his interest, and one that could also put an end to his family debts. Furthermore, he just needs to start being more initiative and direct when it comes to his ideas. –Corchelle Worsham
‘The Metamorphosis’ is truthfully a very slight, yet complete novel of what is to be considered surrealist. Turning from human into a bug (surrealist), the psychological changes in the being (that mostly only happened with the Samsa family, not Gregor. So it is a slight surrealist point), the bizarre climax that seemed like an en medias res story, and then the odd, and not as satisfying conclusion. It felt surrealistic to me only when Gregor woke up a bug, truly, not that surrealistic. Having studied artists such as Dali, Picasso, Luis Buñuel, Federico Garcia Lorca, and the fauves movement, Kafka’s novel falls very slightly into the surreal, if not into the psychological. The novel was not made to terrify, or to make the audience turn – not to mean that fear is what characterizes surrealism, but it was written based on Kafka´s fear, and it has very much a deeper meaning – many times surrealism does not. Surrealism is an art based to get a reaction from the audience, it is from the psychoanalytic point of view, an art made to express that which cannot be answered. Kafka’s Metamorphosis can be more justly be categorized as a novel in the supernatural theme, which its purpose surges from the mind; to teach an awaken those who are to see.
ReplyDeleteA Kafkaesque moment, not sure if being categorized as it either means to be bizarre in a good way, or in a foul way – but a Kafkaesque moment I really seem to hate is April Fools. In that god ridden day the world turns bizarre. Friends pull a mean prank on others, some parent’s, like in my case, joke that they are going to give you up for adoption because the do not love you anymore. I can tell you, my day began with my mother not looking at me in the eye, sighing in a depressive manner, and even turning my way whenever I spoke to her – I felt like a vermin itself. Some might think it was very slight, but even the weather went along with my mother’s plot, which made me believe it might have been true.
Thanks calendar.
A Kafkaesque-surreal movie I like to watch is Luis Buñuel’s Un Chien Andalou – otherwise known as ‘An Andalucian Dog’. Not many words to describe it other than being a dream-like nightmare in life.
I believe that one of Gregor Samsa’s resolutions for the New Year, if I were in his place, I believe the last thing on my list would be to turn back into a human – I believe I would do everything possible to get my sister Grete to study music at the Conservatory. How I would do that without changing into a human, I do not know, but her future would be the first thing on my list. Since I know the story, and understand some of the mental process Gregor goes through, I would also have my parent’s liveliness at the top of my list, I wouldn’t be thinking of myself, or the awful job I have if it will aide my family.
How unusual, one must better himself to help others, but that many times is the last wish on our list.
Aurea Bolaños
I believe this novel is very surrealistic because the story is a perfect example of "elements not normally found together to produce illogical and startling effects." Gregor is a human being but he somehow wakes up as a bug but still tries to live normally in human society. Its really illogical and abnormal on all different levels. I actually have experienced something in my life that felt Kafkaesque. I was in Hawaii on vacation and it actually started raining but there were no clouds in the sky. I know that's really random but it was really bizarre and seemed illogical. If Gregor was to have a new year resolution I think it would be along the lines of having more of a social life, a better job that he enjoys that can support him and his family with no problems, and probably send his sister to school. Although, I don't think Gregor would really make a resolution or even follow through with it. But the ones I mentioned might be some that he would consider.
ReplyDelete^^ Brittany moses
ReplyDeleteFranz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" can be fall into the category of surrealistic with a Kafkaesque mood for various reasons. First, Gregor Samsa, a normal man with a typical job a salesman, wakes up from "his unsettling dreams" and is found to be metamorphosed into a abhorred insect (Kafkaesque) with various legs. What makes this a surrealistic novel is the fact the fact that he does not question his metamorphosis, instead he prioritizes his job and future of his family; Kafka juxtaposition of a metamorphosis (a eerie and metaphysical occurence) with a man who puts his job above everything. Moreover, what ads to this surrealism in "The Metamorphosis" is the juxtaposition of an indifferent family with a metamorphosed man with an indefatigable mindset wanting to help his family. Instilling eerie diction such as "dark" "crawling" "dirt" and "rotten vegetables" also brings a Kafkaesque mood; a metamorphosed man still with human feelings and ambitions (helping his family) is absrudly being treated as an animal by his family (surrealism).
ReplyDeleteAs to Samsa's resolution, i think he would strive to get his job back as a traveling salesman, help his family become alleviated from economic hardhships, send his sister Grete to the Conservatory, and most importantly become assimilated his family and society.
I believe Metamorphosis fall into the category of Surrealism because the idea of a man turning into a bug seems like something like that would be from a dream. While reading the novella I felt like this couldn’t possibly be happening to Gregor, and I thought that the events of the novella were pulled toward being imaginatively fictional. Because of the absurdity in a realistic life style as portrayed in the book, I believe that Metamorphosis is Surrealistic to me.
ReplyDeleteSome life experiences that I have felt to be Kafkaesque were more felt when I was observing people. I remember watching a crazy woman talk to herself and dance from one end of the street to the next. The whole thing seems like very strange that I asked myself if this was really happening, if I was really watching this person make a fool of themselves. Other times that I have felt things feel Kafkaesque is when I’ve had episodes of dejavu, like if events in you feel like they have already happened. I know some Kafkaesque movies I have seen are “Vanilla Sky” and “Kusco: The Emperor’s New Groove”. In “Vanilla Sky” Tom Cruz has an outer body experience and isn’t sure if what he knows is reality is actually true. The movie was confusing from all the strange dreamlike happenings that occurred to him as the main character. And as Kusco, the whole idea of turning into a llama is cooky as it is.
As for my Samsa new year resolution, I would want to “tell it to the man” and quite my job, and seriously consider talking to my parents about their attitude. I don’t appreciate their negative attitude, and would rather move with my little sister to a smaller place, and leave my parents to resolve their own troubles, seeing that they were fully capable of dealing with life on their own, without my help in income. Dad is still good to go to work after all. Yes, I am going to find a new job, one that will help me pay for my sister’s college. And with moving to smaller place, I will be able to save money. My objective this year is to save money and talk to my a parents about a having a better outlook on our future, including MINE!.
ALEXA PAZOS
I must admit Metamorphosis is by far one of the strangest books I’ve ever read. Not necessarily because of the transformation of the character (although that itself is quite odd and is enough to be called surrealism through its juxtaposition such a repulsive character amongst a normal family). As I read the book I found myself waiting for an explanation as to why he transformed into a bug. If it had been given I would’ve accepted it for what it was and acknowledged the newfound logic no matter how strange. This lacking sense of reason itself gave it a surrealist quality. I must’ve come across even stranger things, but this in particular has a character that treats this oddity with such convincing practicality that I find it very surreal. Kafka’s technique in making something as simple transformation seem as bizarre and illogical as melting clocks and never-ending stairs makes the term “Kafkaesque” very appropriate for anything as such. I picture the terms “Kafkaesque” and “surrealism” are almost interchangeable.
ReplyDeleteI think the most Kafkaesque my life has ever gotten would be, literally, in my dreams. Mine are very vivid, apparently. I have gone as far as time-traveling into my future, numerous chase scenes that involve some kind of weapon or form of magic, walking on floors and streets that defy logic. One of my favorite dream scenes include drifting in the sea and washing up on a flight of stairs leading to an empty street with elaborate clocks and fancy storefronts. Another one that just makes me laugh (but probably shouldn’t) consisted of a murderer in a hotel who stated that no one would live unless they used intellectual perseverance! I don’t think it’s too strange, because dreams by definition should be quite odd, but it’s very “Kafkaesque” how in that one moment those oddities feel like my reality. All the different stories my unconscious comes up with is quite fun and makes me look forward to sleeping a little too much.
As for Gregor’s New Year’s Resolution! I would say to build up his ties with his family and do his best to create even a few more intimate relationships. He had the right idea, providing for his family, but prior to his transformation his job is what eventually put him in his alienated state. He made no real attempts to mingle with others and preferred the confines of his room. In terms of his relationship to his family his work became more of a responsibility that only benefited them financially rather than bring a sense of joy and unity between them. Also, a more specific goal would be to bring Grete to the Conservatory. It seemed to be his only real regret to have never accomplished as there were compensations for providing for the family, but his goal for Grete would have showed how much he encouraged her and cared for her. Seeing as this is a goal for when he transforms back, it would also become a form of thanks for having the strength to put up with him and reminding him of human emotions among his animalistic ones through her music.
- Jerica Nimedez
I believe that Kafka's novella, "The Metamorphosis" falls more into the category "surrealism" than "Kafkaesque." As what majority have said, Gregor's "unsettling dreams" waking up into a montrous vermin is an example of surrealism. How the protagonist, Gregor, is troubled about not letting his family down by providing life for his family. This is an example of a juxtaposition of metamorphosis of how Gregor puts his family his first prority before himself. I think that Kafka began with an introduction with Gregor's transformation into a bug to show how Gregor tries to live normal in society. I have actually experienced a "Kafkaesque" when I was back home in Hawaii. Similiar to what Brittney Moses has mentioned above except I experienced hail. It was just a normal sunny day, until it started to hail out of nowhere for hours with no clouds. I find this bizarre because the whole week; it was really sunny then suddenly; hail begins to fall out of the blue with no clous in the sky.
ReplyDeleteIn my perspective, Gregor's new year's resolution is to find another job that he loves to do; instead of a job he dislikes doing. Do something you love to do, not something you hate doing. If you enjoy what you love to do, you'll enjoy life. If you choose something relavant to what you want to do, then you'll be tiresome with life. You will start to think that life is unfulfilling--like Gregor. Besides finding a job, I also want him to focus on his family. To me family is first before everything and Gregor demonstrates this by expressing his love for them by paying his parent's debts and providing for the family. Yes this is a way to show how he loves them, but being away from them constantly is a way of them creating a distant relationship with each other. It's like society nowadays where parents get caught up with work and barely has time to spend time with their children. And when children don't get too much attention from their parents. they tend to go astray and find friends and other things for comfort, which sometimes lead some families to be broken. I say this because I've experienced it what Gregor has gone through.
-Rowena Campania Acruz
3rd entry out of 4 entries
Honestly, disagreeing with most the post above, i dont feel that The Metamorphasis should be considered surrealism. Though the transformation of a man into a bug is rather unrealistic and somewhat a scene from a dream, it doesnt really cause the reader to havbe to use their imagination. The details are given, conrete evidence of the surroundings, and the situations in the story are purely normal. Unlike the painting shown on the blog post above, a desert with melting clocks, the Metamorphasis doesnt have the same elements. Clocks are real, deserts are real, and melting is possible, but a man simply transforming into a bug then taking on normal situations isnt surreal at all. Its simply a fictional story for enjoyment. Not surreal for the most part. But as far as the term Kafkaesque, i cant really say ive had a first hand experience with itbut during 9/11 watching the towers fall and all the news broadcast, it seemed pretty bizarre, very much like a nightmare and so fake. But unfortunately it was true. But lastly for a New Year resolution for Samsa; his would have to be:
ReplyDeleteI, Gregor Samsa resolve that i dedicate more free time to family bonding, instead of using it to further my career hours. I will give up anytime i can to give it to family and if i cant do that with the salesman job, i will find a new one that will allow me to provide for the family as well as give me flexible hours.
-Asante Gibson
This novella has elements of both Surrealism and Kafkafesque. It shows surrealism in the way it describes this “weird encounter” of the transformation of Gregor Samsa into a bug. But after that, you cant really qualify this novella under surrealism because the reader can’t open their mind to full imagination because the way Kafka describes everything for you. Such as when Kafka introduces the story with this, “He lay on his armour-hard back and saw, as he lifted his head up a little, his brown, arched abdomen divided up into rigid bow-like sections. From this height the blanket, just about ready to slide off completely, could hardly stay in place. His numerous legs, pitifully thin in comparison to the rest of his circumference, flickered helplessly before his eyes.” The novella is more Kafkaesque because it describes something that is bizarre and nightmarish for the reader. I see them as interchangeable terms also just as someone above me stated, but by being provided with all the images, like Asante said, it is more Kafkaesque. I have encountered things that are bizarre to me such as one day while going camping in the mountains, there was a stretch of road where it was sunny on one side and on the other it was full of snow, it was like something out of a dream.
ReplyDeleteThe Metamorphosis definitely falls into the category of Surrealism. From the beginning I was under the impression that Kafka placed the reader in a dream or nightmare of the protagonist. When I continued to read on the author’s use of magical realism convinced me that the situation Gregor woke up in is that of a bizarre reality. Even though the metamorphosis to an insect is true reality for Gregor in the novella, to a reader it will most likely come off as some sort of dream or a story of over the top imagination. In addition, this also is strongly related to the concept of absurdity found in the novella. Throughout the novella Gregor is taking on the behaviors of an insect but continues to have human thoughts. As an insect, Gregor is still concerned about the poor economic situation of his family and helping his sister, Grete go to on to better her musical talents. While he is pondering these human concerns, he is also tending to his insect desires and crawling on the ceiling and walls of his room. The idea of a human morphing into a bug is definitely surrealistic, and to many, could only possibly happen in a dream.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I can think of off of the top of my head that I have experienced which could be classified as "Kafkaesqe" would be a movie I have seen called "Eraser Head." It was an extremely nighmarish and illogical movie (and rather pointless if you ask me) that fits the description of Kafkaesque perfectly.
Gregor's New Year resolution should have been to start standing up for himself and living more for himself rather than slaving away for his ungrateful family. Take the house he pays for, the food he pays for, and everything else that he could lay finincial ownership to, and just kick everyone else out of the house since they do nothing but sponge off of him. Maybe keep Grete, she was nice in the beggining, but those parents have got to go.
-Alex Steuernagel
This novella does fall into the category of being classified as a work of surrealism. The Metamorphosis is definitely a piece of literature that seems bizarre and strange in the simplest sense. Just by having the main character wake up to find himself with the physical appearance of a bug really is illogical and like something out of a dream rather than an event that could happen in reality. Gregor Samsa's general situation with his job and his family's hardships is realistic yet the added element of his transformation is not. I agree with Jerica's comment, which was that the lack of an actual explanation as to why Samsa was transformed into a bug makes the novella even more illogical, giving it that surrealistic quality.
ReplyDeleteI think an appropriate resolution for Gregor Samsa would be to find a job he actually enjoys instead of one he dreads and doesn't even care for. He should pursue a more fulfilling career that would make him happier while also allowing him to provide for his family all the same.
The novel certainly falls into the realm of surrealism; the realistic image of family life depicted by the Samsa's eschewed by the addition of an unlikely giant grotesque insect creates a highly bizarre scene. However to me, there is a lot more surrealism to it than the simple transformation of man to bug. To me the surrealism comes from the sudden acceptance by the family of Gregor as a giant bug, and the steady assimilation it has in their lives. Although not perfect, the family creates a tolerance for Gregor's new body. However, they don't know for sure if it is actually him, or if he even has his humanity still. The Samsa's give him care unconditionally, and this creates an even more bizarre story. It would be safe to assume that most other families would not react so nicely to the monster as did the Samsa's.
ReplyDeleteAs for my own "kafkaesque" experiences, I once had a terrible case of sleep paralysis, a condition where you wake up mid dream mentally, however the rest of your body is still asleep. I woke up and found myself unable to move and was still experiencing visions of my dream. It felt very bizarre and terrifying. In short, it really sucked.
This novella can be categorized under surrealism, Gregor's life can be too surreal. When the chief clerk went to check up on Gregor, from his absence from work. The chief clerk did not settle with the fact that Gregor was ill, however once Gregor unveiled himself from his transformation. How is that the chief clerk made his escape but not tell anyone, and how is work did not get involved. Although Bennet, says it is quite bizzare from the sudden acceptance, I think they did not accept Gregor at all, but rather faked it, they assimiliated in slowly neglecting Gregor. Mr. Samsa did once felt regret from throwing an apple at Gregor but all did not know whether if it was Gregor and understood him, but showed a small respect of acceptance he is apart of the family. This setting appears surreal because why must a family not do anything to their son when something grave transformation happened to him? Rather very Kafkaesque indeed with the book being mounted of it illogical events.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I love doing some bizarre things, and being quite Kafta myself. From making me new years resoltutions such as jumping a pool every month, or painting various images in a house. Furthermore, I think a Gregor Samsa resolution should be is to find a job that is certain to his passion and from his ardor, what hes does will evidently lead to his happiness. But most importantly, a job that will him provide for his family.
I find it to be relatively obvious that The Metamorphosis is a Surrealist piece due to its dream-like nature. It displays a definitely fictitious tone and paints an unreal scene of a man turning into an insect. Surrealists use these odd events in their literary works in order to express their ideas. In this story, Kafka uses all the Surrealist aspects to refer to his theme of absurdity.
ReplyDeleteIn a sense, Gregor’s metamorphosis can also be interpreted as an extended metaphor intentionally place by the author. If this is true, then Gregor’s metamorphosis was never actually occurred. Instead, it was a figurative way of expressing the way he feels alienated from his family and the world. Although this route is plausible, I believe that the novella is more Surrealistic.
I remember a time in my life that felt somewhat Kafkaesque. I was in an argument that my mother at home, but it felt like a movie scene where a character has an aside-type conversation with himself as the people talking to him sound muffled out, but still audible. As I stopped thinking and introverted my thinking, I realized how useless arguing is. The almost surreal situation got me to realize that if you’re going to argue with someone, you had might as well make sure that they are paying attention to you. And this, I figure shall be my Resolution.