essay questions for the metamorphosis

115 The Metamorphosis Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best the metamorphosis topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 most interesting the metamorphosis topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about the metamorphosis, ❓ the metamorphosis essay questions.

• Critical Analysis of The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka The main subject of the novel is the family relations and problem of a person’s worthiness in the society. The author explores and analyses such social problems as a person’s worthiness and the ills of […]
• Psychoanalytic Perspective on Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” The analysis of Kafka’s Metamorphosis based on Psychoanalysis highlights the main themes of the Superego-Id changes in the main character’s psyche, the repressed desires mirrored in the character’s behaviors, and the Oedipal complex present in […] We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Alienation in the Modern World: “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka The mechanism of oppression in Gregor’s case is the bureaucracy in which he is forced to work a meaningless life that contributes nothing to his dreams or aspirations, but instead merely makes of him a […]
• Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”: Social Aspects When Gregor turns into the creature, he does not care about that in the slightest; on the other hand, he cannot reconcile himself with the fact that he will miss his train and will not […]
• The Limited Third-Person Narrator in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. It permits the author not only focus on the subject matter and revolve around the themes of the story, but implement the entertainment function of the writing and provide the reader with an in-depth understanding […]
• Social Issues in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka Such loss of traditional humane values like empathy, love, respect, loyalty, and honesty has affected Franz Kafka who illustrated the metamorphosis or transformation of customary values on the example of the family of the Samsas.”The […]
• The Death of Ivan Ilych and The Metamorphosis As he comes to understand the difference between his servant’s and his family’s views on life, Ivan begins to realize that he has lived a life of moral death, a life empty of everything save […]
• Gregor’s Relationship With His Father in “The Matamorphosis” This paper seeks to explore the father and son relationships in Metamorphosis and Oedipus the King and offers a comparison for the two.
• Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’ and ‘Spider-Man’ Comparison The same idea is shown in the work of Kafka, as Samsa with a substituted body becomes unneeded to his family members and other people.
• Franz Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’ and Joseph Conrad’s ‘The Heart of Darkness’. Theme Analysis Here, the essay compares how the theme of colonization is captured in the novels, and goes ahead to explain the techniques employed by each author in conveying the theme.
• Humanities. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Even in his own home, he has taken up the habit of locking his bedroom doors “as if in a hotel” and he continues to follow the rules and regulations set forth by his father […]
• “Blood Wedding” by F. G. Lorca and “The Metamorphosis” by F. Kafka: The Impact of Roles of Parents To compare the role of parents in the stories, we must first get a brief background of the parents in both stories.
• Exterminating Bugs in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” Gregor is flabbergasted by his family’s hypocrisy and is sad to see that he has wasted his life for the happiness and affluence of his ‘so-called’ family.
• Alienation Theme in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis This indicates that Gregor’s alienation after the transformation was not a result of his appearance; it was his inability to contribute economically to the family.
• Kafka’s Stories “The Metamorphosis” and “A Hunger Artist” One of the reasons why Franz Kafka is considered one of the 20th century’s most prominent writers is that the reading of his masterpieces leaves very few doubts as to the fact that, while pursuing […]
• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka The opening of the story clearly introduces the main story to the reader with the creation of a pathetic image in the mind of the readers.
• The Discussion of Gregor, a Character in “The Metamorphosis” Existentialism includes the value of freedom of choice, the value of the individual, and the value of interpersonal connections. His short story The Metamorphosis is a good example of existential writing since the protagonist has […]
• The Books “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka and “The Lottery” by Jackson In essence, The Lottery and The Metamorphosis are expository on misfortune as triggering alienation and unsettling the harmony of life to which one’s community and family weaken in their duty of care and protection and […]
• Absurdity in Kafka’s A Hunger Artist and The Metamorphosis This paper provides a detailed discussion of the absurdity as Kafka presents in his works The Metamorphosis and A Hunger Artist.
• Is Kafka’s The Metamorphosis Horror Fiction? It also forces readers to rely on their own interpretations and inferences to understand what is happening in the story, adding to the overall sense of uncertainty and ambiguity.
• The Metamorphosis by Kafka: Literary Analysis In the tale, the author highlights various aspects of his life, including his father, his family, and his plans for the future.
• Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” Representation in Modern Life Franz Kafka’s novel, “The Metamorphosis,” is regarded as one of the most fascinating and absurdist works of literature and offers a complex philosophical and psychological examination of current circumstances.
• The Symbolism of Gregor’s Transformation in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” However, even before the incident, there were no warmth and mutual understanding in the family, despite the fact that the young man was the only breadwinner of the family.
• Review of “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka His sister is the only one of his family that comes to his aid, inquiring if he is ill. His transformation shows Gregor’s anger towards family’s exploitation of him and their irresponsibility in not contributing […]
• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka: An Analysis The main problem of this response highlights the problem of loneliness of people in the world, despite the simple idea of a good life.
• Disintegration of Family and Societal Relations in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” In the example of the Samsas’, the author depicts how perceptions and feelings of family members change, revealing the illusory character of seemingly unshaken family bonds and relations within society at large.
• “Tartuffe” by Molière and “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka One of the leading roles that the author of the work himself highlights is the role of the maid Dorine. Moreover, with her speeches, she urged people to listen to the voice of mind and […]
• Finance in Huffington’s Thrive and Kafka’s The Metamorphosis The purpose of this paper is to describe how the two writers express the idea about the value of financial well-being and to analyze the plot and the style of the texts.
• “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka and “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” by Marquez: Comparison The conclusion of this paper can be formulated as follows – in their stories, both: Kafka and Marquez strived to present readers with a three-dimensional clue on particularities of their characters’ behavior.
• The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: Cause and Effect Multiple causes are in force right in the first few paragraphs: the horrendous transformation that Gregor has undergone, the panic and anxiety that the family members feel when Gregor is not responding to urgent summons […]
• “The Other” in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” The thesis of the paper is that the notion of “the other” in The Metamorphosis is represented not so much through the opposition between the character and other characters as though the opposition between his […]
• Triumph of the Self in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” It is necessary to note that the idea of the triumph of the self is one of the last ideas that can appear in some readers’ minds.
• Writing Techniques in Stoker’s Dracula and Kafka’s The Metamorphosis A critical analysis of the writing styles adopted by the two authors makes it clear that the texts have an effect on the reader.
• Decisions of the Samsa in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” His mother is shocked by the transformation In this paper, the author will use Saint Leo’s core values of integrity and community to analyze the decisions made by Samsa family when Gregor changes into bug. […]
• Grasping the Human Nature: “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka First of all, it should be said that a good analysis of the work is impossible without a clear understanding of the character of its author and ideas peculiar to him.
• The Metamorphosis, a Novel by Franz Kafka However, when Gregor sees him in his new uniform, he is impressed, and the uniform appears to signify that his father has metamorphosed from an object of fear to a dignified man who deserves respect.
• Comparison of the Movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest” and F. Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” The protagonist’s reluctance to communicate with the external world is similar to the changes that occurred to the hero of Kafka’s Metamorphoses.
• Kafka’s Stories “A Hunger Artist”, “Jackals and Arabs” and “The Metamorphosis” The reading of a short story Jackals and Arabs leaves no doubt as to the fact that this story’s foremost thematic element is being of clearly surreal nature.
• Themes in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” It is evident in the story that it is Gregor who woks to take care of his family and therefore the rest of the family members did not.
• Utilitarianism in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Power of Music in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” and James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues”
• Unappreciated Characters of Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Explorations in Themes of Change in “The Metamorphosis”
• Understanding the Complete Change of One of the Characters in “The Metamorphosis”
• Isolation and Alienation in “The Metamorphosis”
• Views of Modernity Presented in “The Metamorphosis” and “The Convergence of the Twain”
• Symbols and Abstractions in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• The Contrasting Views on Life in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Symbolic Nature of Sacrifice and Transformation in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• The Figure of Exile in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• Outside Forces Creating Change in Characters: “Love in the Time of Cholera” and “The Metamorphosis”
• Social Analysis of Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• The Split of Society Into Different Sections in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Use of Point of View in “The Metamorphosis” and “A Hero of Our Time”
• The Great Depression of Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Dehumanization and Alienation in “Night” and “The Metamorphosis”
• Sacrifice and Transformation in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• The Theme of Identity in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• The Psychological Transformations of Nora From “A Doll’s House” and Grete From “The Metamorphosis”
• Transformations and Symbolism in Frank Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Examining “The Metamorphosis” From a Marxist Perspective
• Gregor’s Life Before the Metamorphosis in Frank Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• The Existentialist Philosophy of Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Isolation in “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka and “Heart of Darkness” by Conrad
• The Significance of the Minor Characters in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Metamorphosis of Gregor in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Identity and Personal Identity in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Existentialism in “The Stranger” and “The Metamorphosis”
• The Myth of Perfection in “A Doll’s House” by Ibsen and “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka
• Losing Touch of Humanity in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• Father and Son Relationships in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Endurance of Reality in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Use of the Omniscient Narrator in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Philosophies of Beauty in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Cases of Patriarchy in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• Illustrating the Theme of Alienation in “The Metamorphosis” by Frank Kafka
• The Sacrifices of Gregor in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• Meaning of Gregor Samsa’s Bug in Frantz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Comparison of “The Grapes of Wrath,” “The Stranger,” and “The Metamorphosis”
• The Unloving Society in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Transformation From Life to Death: “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• Exploring Alienation and Conformity in “The Metamorphosis”
• The Man’s Struggle to Cope With Family and New Way of Life in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Theme of Death in “Love in the Time of Cholera” and “The Metamorphosis”
• The Dramatic Change: Brief Overview of “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• What Is the Significance of the Number “Three” in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”?
• How Does Gregor’s Family Change in “The Metamorphosis”?
• What Effect Does Gregor’s Metamorphosis Have On His Family, Individually and as a Whole?
• When Should Children Read “The Metamorphosis” of Franz Kafka?
• How Do Gregor’s Feelings for His Family Change Throughout “The Metamorphosis”?
• Why Has Gregor Changed in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka?
• Is Gregor an Admirable Character in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”?
• What Does “The Metamorphosis” Reveal About Human Nature?
• How Is Gregor’s Metamorphosis Similar to Grete’s in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”?
• What Is the Major Conflict in “The Metamorphosis”?
• How Can You Interpret “The Metamorphosis” Through the Existential Lens?
• What Is the Main Message or Theme of “The Metamorphosis”?
• What Is the Importance of Third-Person Narration in “The Metamorphosis”?
• To What Extent Does Gregor Samsa Change After His Transformation in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”?
• How Does Gregor React to His Transformation in “The Metamorphosis”?
• Why and How Did Gregor Become “Vermin” in “The Metamorphosis”?
• What Did Kafka Try to Express Through the Metamorphosis of Gregor Samsa?
• Is Samsa Partly to Blame for Having Incurred His Fate in “The Metamorphosis”?
• To What Extent May Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” Be Read as a Critique of 20th Century Materialism?
• What Is the Moral Lesson of “The Metamorphosis”?
• Does the Kafka Believe That Meaningful Human Communication Is Possible in “The Metamorphosis”?
• How Does “The Metamorphosis” Relate to the Real World?
• How Do the Changes in Gregor’s Room Reflect the Progress of the Narrative In Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”?
• Does the Sense of Ambiguity Add or Subtract From the Power of “The Metamorphosis”?
• What Does “The Metamorphosis” Teach Us About Identity?
• How Does Gregor’s Loss of Language Affect His Ability to Gain Control Over His Life and Ultimately His Fate in “The Metamorphosis”?
• What Role Do the Boarders Play in “The Metamorphosis”?
• What Evidence Suggests That Kafka Is Making a Statement About the Dehumanizing Effects of Work in “The Metamorphosis”?
• How Does Gregor Feel About His Job in “The Metamorphosis”?
• Can Freud’s Notions of Eros and the Death Instinct Illuminate Gregor’s Plight in “The Metamorphosis”?
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Inside This Article

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a classic work of literature that has captivated readers for generations. The novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a man who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. This bizarre premise raises many thought-provoking questions about identity, alienation, and the nature of humanity.

If you are looking for inspiration for an essay on The Metamorphosis, you're in luck! We have compiled a list of 128 essay topic ideas and examples to help you get started on your writing journey. Whether you are analyzing the themes of the novella, exploring its symbolism, or discussing its impact on literature, there is a topic here for you.

• Analyze the theme of alienation in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's transformation into an insect.
• Explore the role of family in The Metamorphosis.
• Compare and contrast Gregor's relationship with his family before and after his transformation.
• Examine the symbolism of Gregor's room in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the theme of guilt and responsibility in the novella.
• Analyze the character of Grete and her role in the story.
• Explore the theme of isolation in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the significance of food and eating in the novella.
• Examine the motif of sleep and dreams in The Metamorphosis.
• Compare and contrast Gregor's transformation with other literary works of metamorphosis.
• Analyze the theme of power and control in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the role of work and money in the novella.
• Explore the symbolism of the apple in The Metamorphosis.
• Examine the theme of freedom and imprisonment in the story.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's job as a traveling salesman.
• Analyze the theme of identity in The Metamorphosis.
• Explore the motif of music in the novella.
• Discuss the theme of sacrifice in The Metamorphosis.
• Examine the role of society in shaping Gregor's identity.
• Analyze the theme of transformation in the novella.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's death at the end of the story.
• Explore the symbolism of the door in The Metamorphosis.
• Compare and contrast Gregor's transformation with the transformations of other characters in the novella.
• Examine the theme of communication in the story.
• Discuss the role of the cleaning woman in The Metamorphosis.
• Analyze the theme of love and compassion in the novella.
• Explore the motif of mirrors and reflection in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's sister, Grete, in the story.
• Analyze the theme of degradation in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the role of Gregor's boss in the novella.
• Explore the symbolism of the picture of the lady in furs in The Metamorphosis.
• Analyze the theme of transformation in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's voice in the story.
• Explore the motif of insects in the novella.
• Analyze the theme of absurdity in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the role of Gregor's father in the story.
• Explore the symbolism of the violin in the novella.
• Analyze the theme of betrayal in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the role of society in shaping Gregor's identity.
• Explore the symbolism of the door in the novella.
• Analyze the theme of isolation in The Metamorphosis.
• Explore the motif of sleep and dreams in the story.
• Analyze the theme of freedom and imprisonment in The Metamorphosis.
• Analyze the theme of guilt and responsibility in the story.
• Analyze the theme of alienation in the novella.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's room in The Metamorphosis.
• Explore the motif of mirrors and reflection in the story.
• Analyze the theme of absurdity in the story.
• Discuss the role of Gregor's father in The Metamorphosis.
• Analyze the theme of betrayal in the story.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's voice in The Metamorphosis.
• Explore the role of the cleaning woman in the novella.
• Analyze the theme of love and compassion in the story.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's sister, Grete, in The Metamorphosis.
• Analyze the theme of transformation in the story.
• Analyze the theme of isolation in the novella.
• Explore the motif of sleep and dreams in The Metamorphosis.
• Analyze the theme of freedom and imprisonment in the story.
• Analyze the theme of guilt and responsibility in the novella.
• Discuss the significance of food and eating in The Metamorphosis.
• Explore the role of family in the novella.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's room in the story.
• Explore the motif of mirrors and reflection in the novella.
• Discuss the role of Gregor's boss in the story.
• Explore the symbolism of the picture of the lady in furs in the novella.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's voice in the novella.
• Explore the role of the cleaning woman in The Metamorphosis.
• Discuss the significance of Gregor's sister, Grete, in the novella.
• Explore the motif of music in The Metamorphosis.
• Explore the symbolism of the door

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The Metamorphosis

59 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

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Discussion Questions

What effect does Gregor’s metamorphosis have on his family, individually and as a whole? What does this effect suggest about his relationship with his family?

The German word Ungeziefer , which has been translated to “vermin” in English, derives from a Middle High German word meaning “an unclean animal not suited for sacrifice.” What meaning do you think this word conveys about the nature of Gregor’s metamorphosis? Do you think that his death can be seen as a sacrifice in any sense? Explain why or why not.

Why and how did Gregor become “vermin” (3)? Did Gregor deserve to be turned into a bug? Do you think his transformation is a literal one, or a purely symbolic one?

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The Metamorphosis

Franz kafka, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Metamorphosis: Introduction

The metamorphosis: plot summary, the metamorphosis: detailed summary & analysis, the metamorphosis: themes, the metamorphosis: quotes, the metamorphosis: characters, the metamorphosis: symbols, the metamorphosis: theme wheel, brief biography of franz kafka.

Historical Context of The Metamorphosis

Other books related to the metamorphosis.

• Full Title: The Metamorphosis
• When Written: Over a three-week period in 1912
• Where Written: Prague
• When Published: 1915
• Literary Period: World War I
• Genre: Existentialism/Absurdism/Modernism
• Setting: An apartment in an unnamed European city
• Climax: During Grete's violin concert for the boarders, Gregor emerges from his room
• Antagonist: Grete, Gregor's father, and the lodgers can all be seen as antagonists at different moments, but Gregor's greatest enemy is his own changed body and personality.
• Point of View: Third person, limited to Gregor's point of view with some exceptions

Extra Credit for The Metamorphosis

Cockroach or not? Kafka never specifies what kind of insect Gregor becomes. He uses a German word that roughly translates to "vermin," then describes Gregor's many small legs, hard rounded shell, and antennae, suggesting a cockroach. Scholars have put forward other theories over the years, the most interesting of which comes from Vladimir Nabokov, who was convinced that Gregor actually became a winged beetle, capable of but never achieving flight.

Gregor on stage Many theater groups have attempted to adapt The Metamorphosis for the stage or screen—no easy feat, considering the main character. In a recent, critically acclaimed production, actor-director Gisli Orn Gardasson got around this issue by rejecting costume pieces or body paint in favor of contorting himself into insectlike positions, physically illustrating Gregor's mental anguish of being a human mind in a bug's body.

77 The Metamorphosis Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on the metamorphosis, ✍️ the metamorphosis essay topics for college, 🎓 most interesting the metamorphosis research titles, 💡 simple the metamorphosis essay ideas.

• Historical, Cultural and Social Aspects of “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka
• Absurdity in “The Metamorphosis” and “The Stranger”
• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• The Metamorphosis of Gregor Samsa and His Family
• Lessons Learned from “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka in the Light of Freud’s Theory of Psychoanalysis
• Kafka’s Metamorphosis: Biographical Criticism
• Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”: Life in Modernity Franz Kafka’s stories illustrate the period the author lived in. See in the essay how the writer elaborates on his views on modernity in The Metamorphosis.
• Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”: Empathy as the Key The character study that Kafka provides turns into an existential crisis and the further test for his ability to be empathetic and retain his humanity intact.
• Characterization in “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka This paper discusses the use of the limited third-person view in “The Metamorphosis” and addresses the development of the protagonist throughout the plot.
• Grotesque in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka The apparent expression of Kafka’s book “The Metamorphosis” is the battle to discover and express one’s individuality in a world of constant, all-consuming commitments.
• “Illness in Literature: “Nightmare Begins Responsibility“ and “The Metamorphosis““ The theme of illness is broadly presented in the literature. “Nightmare Begins Responsibility” by Michael S. Harper and “The Metamorphosis” by F. Kafka focus on illness and disease
• Existentialism in “The Metamorphosis” and “Donnie Darko” Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and Kelly’s Donnie Darko are two examples of existential crises connected with constant struggles resulting in the deaths of two protagonists.
• Kafka’s Metamorphosis from a Legal Perspective: People vs. the Samsa Family This report reveals Kafka’s Metamorphosis from the Prosecutor and Defense Attorney’s points of view. Also it presents kind of Judge’s Verdict.
• Transformation in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” How does the transformation theme develop in Kafka’s Metamorphosis? Find out here! Check the essay example on The Metamorphosis.
• Lynch’s “Eraserhead” and Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”: Isolation and Enlightenment Lynch and Kafka portray isolation and desperate loneliness in their works. Separation serves as a gateway to a better knowledge of oneself in Eraserhead and Metamorphosis alike.
• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka: A Book Review Like many other works by Franz Kafka, “The Metamorphosis” is a surreal look at human psychology. This story combines fantastic events and the dry style of realistic narration.
• Gregor Zamza’s Image in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis This paper discusses the character of Gregor Zamza in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”, and highlights the contradiction between Gregor’s appearance and his inner world.
• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka In the novel “The Metamorphosis”, Kafka describes his own life through the life of Gregor. The author faced seclusion and separation from his workplace and family.
• Change in The Metamorphosis Novella by Franz Kafka The pain, emptiness, and disconnectedness that one feels when this happens are skillfully described by Franz Kafka in his famous novella “The Metamorphosis”.
• The Kafkaesque Experience in “The Metamorphosis” After Kafka published his work “The Metamorphosis”, it became a classical piece. A Kafkaesque experience has negative consequences or causes feelings of distress and sadness.
• Gregor’s Behavior in “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka The novel “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka, tells a story about a traveling salesman Gregor Samsa and his family, namely his father, mother, and sister Grete.
• The Symbolic Nature of Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is oftentimes seen as an allegorical, psychological, and quintessential exploration of the author’s inner state.
• “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka In Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” the theme of judging by appearance and capabilities is reflected in detail, and it is suggested that major related problem is individual estrangement and de-humanization that result from it.
• The Book “Metamorphosis” by Kafka and the Film “Eraserhead” by Lynch The Book “Metamorphosis” by Kafka and the Film “Eraserhead” by Lynch share the sense of confusion of the ways of the world, estrangement from one’s surrounding.
• Gregor is a Symbol in the Metamorphosis by Kafka This paper gives us a wide explanation of why Gregor is used as a symbolism in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
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The Metamorphosis Essay Topics

Franz Kafka

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Franz Kafka ’s well-known story “The Metamorphosis” begins with a description of a disturbing situation: “As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect” (89). However, Gregor himself seems most disturbed by the possibility of missing the train to work and losing his job as a traveling salesman. Without asking for aid or alerting his family to his new form, he attempts to maneuver his unwieldy insect body—which has several tiny legs and a broad, hard back—out of bed. Soon, however, the chief clerk from Gregor’s company arrives at the apartment. Gregor is determined “to show himself and speak to the chief clerk; he was eager to find out what the others, after all their insistence, would say at the sight of him” (98). When Gregor finally opens his door and appears, everyone in the Samsas’ apartment is horrified; Gregor’s mother cries for help, the chief clerk flees the premises, and Gregor’s father, “hissing and crying ‘Shoo!’ like a savage,” mercilessly drives Gregor back into his bedroom (103-104).

Back in his room, Gregor reflects on the fine life he had once provided for his family and wonders “if all the quiet, the comfort, the contentment were now to end in horror” (106). Soon enough, Gregor’s parents and sister start adapting to a life without Gregor’s earnings, and Gregor adapts to his new insectoid form. He develops a taste for rotten food and forms a new hobby—scurrying all over the walls in his room. He also feels grateful for the caring attention of his sister, Grete, who “tried to make as light as possible of whatever was disagreeable in her task, and as time went on she succeeded, of course, more and more” (113). But when Grete forms a plan to remove Gregor’s bedroom furniture and give him “as wide a field as possible to crawl in,” Gregor, determined to hold on to at least a few reminders of his human form, opposes her (115). He rushes out of his usual hiding place, sends his mother into a fainting fit, and sends Grete running for help. In the midst of this chaos, Gregor’s father arrives home from work and bombards Gregor “with fruit from the dish on the sideboard,” convinced that Gregor is a danger to the family (122).

This attack on Gregor makes “even his father recollect that Gregor was a member of the family, despite his present unfortunate and repulsive shape” (122). Over time, the Samsas become resigned to Gregor’s condition and take measures to provide for themselves. The servants are dismissed, Grete and her mother find jobs of their own, and three lodgers—“serious gentlemen” with “a passion for order”—come to stay in one of the Samsas’ rooms (127). Gregor himself has stopped eating, and his room is becoming dirty and crowded with unused objects. But one night, Gregor hears his sister playing the violin. He emerges from his room, feeling as if “the way were opening before him to the unknown nourishment he craved” (130-131). After seeing Gregor, the lodgers react angrily to the “disgusting conditions” in the Samsa household, while the anguished Grete declares that the Samsas must, despite their past efforts at accommodation, finally get rid of Gregor (132-133). After this latest conflict, Gregor retreats to the darkness of his room. He feels “relatively comfortable.” In the early morning, his head sinks “to the floor of its own accord and from his nostrils came the last faint flicker of his breath” (135). The dead Gregor is quickly removed from the premises. And with Gregor’s death, the rest of the family is reinvigorated. Gregor’s father confronts the three lodgers and forces them to leave, then takes Grete and Mrs. Samsa on an excursion “into the open country outside the town” (139). The two elder Samsas are now confident that Grete will find a “good husband, and watch hopefully and optimistically as “at the end of their journey their daughter sprang to her feet first and stretched her young body” (139).

Background and Contexts

Kafka’s Own Professions: Like Gregor Samsa, Kafka himself was caught up in the world of money, commerce, and day-to-day bureaucracy. Kafka wrote “The Metamorphosis” in 1912, at a time when he was employed by the Workers’ Accident Insurance Company of the Kingdom of Bohemia. But even though Kafka remained at the Company until a few years before his death, he viewed another kind of activity—his writing—as his most important and most challenging life’s work. As he wrote in a 1910 letter, highlighting the daily difficulties that devotion to writing can bring: “When I wanted to get out of bed this morning I simply folded up. This has a very simple cause, that I am completely overworked. Not by my office but by my other work.” While Gregor gradually forgets his professional habits and discovers the power of art as “The Metamorphosis” progresses, Kafka was firmly convinced for much of his adult life that art was his true calling. To quote another Kafka letter, this time from 1913: “My job is unbearable to me because it conflicts with my only desire and my only calling, which is literature. Since I am nothing but literature and want to be nothing else, my job will never take possession of me.”

Modernism Art and the Modern City: “The Metamorphosis” is but one of many early 20th-century works that depicts city life. Yet metropolitan commerce, technology, and living conditions evoked very different reactions from the various writers and artists of the modernist era. Some of this period’s painters and sculptors—including the Italian Futurists and the Russian Constructivists—celebrated the dynamic, revolutionary potential of city architecture and transportation systems. And several important novelists— James Joyce , Virginia Woolf , Andrei Bely, Marcel Proust—contrasted urban transformation and upheaval with calmer, though not necessarily better, past lifestyles. On the basis of bleak urban narratives such as “The Metamorphosis”, “ The Judgment ”, and The Trial , Kafka’s own stance toward the modern city is often understood as a position of extreme criticism and pessimism. For a story set in a modern city, “The Metamorphosis” can feel remarkably closed-in and uncomfortable; until the final pages, the whole of the action takes place in the Samsas’ apartment.

Envisioning and Illustrating “The Metamorphosis”: Even though Kafka describes certain aspects of Gregor’s new, insect body in great detail, Kafka opposed efforts to draw, illustrate, or represent Gregor’s full shape. When “The Metamorphosis” was published in 1915, Kafka cautioned his editors that “the insect itself cannot be drawn. It cannot be drawn even as if seen from a distance.” Kafka may have given these directions in order to keep certain aspects of the text mysterious, or to allow readers to imagine Gregor’s precise shape on their own; nonetheless, future readers, critics, and artists would attempt to pin down Gregor’s exact appearance. Early commentators envisioned Gregor as an overgrown cockroach, yet novelist and insect specialist Vladimir Nabokov disagreed: “A cockroach is an insect that is flat in shape with large legs, and Gregor is anything but flat: he is convex on both sides, belly and back, and his legs are small. He approaches a cockroach in only one respect: his coloration is brown.” Instead, Nabokov hypothesized that Gregor is much closer to a beetle in shape and form. Direct visual representations of Gregor have in fact appeared in the graphic novel versions of “The Metamorphosis” created by Peter Kuper and R. Crumb.

Gregor’s Sense of Identity: Despite his disturbing physical transformation, Gregor holds on to many of the thoughts, emotions, and desires that he exhibited in his human form. At first, he is incapable of understanding the extent of his transformation and believes that he is only “temporarily incapacitated” (101). Later, Gregor realizes that he is a horror to his family adopts new habits—eating putrid food, climbing all over the walls. But he is unwilling to give up mementos of his human state, such as the furniture that remains in his bedroom: “Nothing should be taken out of his room; everything must stay as it was; he could not dispense with the good influence of the furniture on his state of mind; and even if the furniture did hamper him in his senseless crawling around and around, that was no drawback but a great advantage” (117).

Even towards the end of “The Metamorphosis”, Gregor is convinced that elements of his human identity have remained intact. His thoughts turn to his inner human traits—affection, inspiration—as he hears Grete’s violin playing: “Was he an animal, that music had such an effect on him? He felt as if the way were opening before him to the unknown nourishment he craved. He was determined to push forward until he reached his sister, to pull at her skirt and let her know that she was to come into his room, with her violin, for no one here appreciated her playing as he would appreciate it” (131). By turning into an insect, Gregor displays deeply human traits such as artistic appreciation—traits that were uncommon to him in his over-worked, business-oriented human state.

Multiple Transformations: Gregor’s stark change of shape is not major change in “The Metamorphosis”. Because of Gregor’s new tradition and its negative effects on his family, the Samsas’ apartments undergo a series of alterations. Early on, Grete and her mother attempt to remove all of Gregor’s bedroom furniture. Then, new characters are brought into the Samsas’ property: first a new housekeeper, an “old widow, whose strong bony frame had enabled her to survive the worst a long life could offer;” then the three lodgers, picky men “with full beards” (126-127). The Samsas even transform Gregor’s room into a storage space for “superfluous, not to say dirty, objects” in order to make the lodgers comfortable (127).

Gregor’s parents and sister change considerably as well. Initially, the three of them live in comfort thanks to Gregor’s earnings. Yet after the transformation, they are forced to take jobs—and Mr. Samsa transforms from a “man who used to lie wearily sunk in bed” into a bank messenger “dressed in a smart blue uniform with gold buttons” (121). Gregor’s death, however, sparks a new series of transformations in the Samsas’ ways of thinking. With Gregor gone, Grete and her parents are convinced that their jobs are “all three admirable and likely to lead to better things later on.” And they decide to find new living quarters, too—“a smaller and cheaper but also better situated and more easily run apartment than the one they had, which Gregor had selected” (139).

A Few Discussion Questions

1) Do you understand “The Metamorphosis” as a work that confronts political or social issues? Is Kafka using Gregor’s strange story to discuss (or attack) issues such as capitalism, traditional family life, or the place of art in society? Or is “The Metamorphosis” a story with few or no political or social concerns?

2) Consider the issue of illustrating “The Metamorphosis”. Do you think that Kafka’s reluctance to show exactly what the transformed Gregor looks like was justified? Despite Kafka’s reservations, did you have a strong mental image of Gregor? Could you, perhaps, draw his insectoid body?

3) Which character in Kafka’s story is most deserving of pity and sympathy—the hideously transformed Gregor, his persevering sister Grete, the rather helpless Mrs. Samsa, or someone else? Did you find yourself siding with different characters—for example, liking Grete more and Gregor less—as the story moved forward?

4) Who changes the most in the course of “The Metamorphosis”? Gregor is an obvious choice because of his new shape, but you should also think about the changes in the characters’ emotions, desires, and living situations. Which character undergoes the strongest shift in values or personality as the story progresses?

Note on Citations

All in-text page citations refer to the following edition of Kafka's works: The Complete Stories, Centennial Edition with a New Foreword by John Updike (“The Metamorphosis” translated by Willa and Edwin Muir. Schocken: 1983).

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The Metamorphosis

by Franz Kafka

The metamorphosis themes, economic effects on human relationships.

Gregor is enslaved by his family because he is the one who makes money. Thus, with the possible exception of his sister, the family seems to treat him not as a member but as a source of income. When Gregor is no longer able to work after his metamorphosis, he is treated with revulsion and neglected. Once the family begins working, they also find difficulty communicating with each other, eating dinner in silence and fighting among themselves. The exhaustion of dehumanizing jobs and the recognition that people are only valuable so long as they earn a salary keeps anyone who works isolated from others and unable to establish human relations with them.

Family duty

The theme of family and the duties of family members to each other drive the interactions between Gregor and the others. His thoughts are almost entirely of the need to support his parents and sending his sister to the Conservatory. Though Gregor hates his job, he follows the call of duty to his family and goes far beyond simple duty. The family, on the other hand, takes care of Gregor after his metamorphosis only so far as duty seems to necessitate. He is kept locked in his room and brought food. In the end, his room is barely cleaned and his sister no longer cares about what food she brings him. Her actions are routine, as she only wants to do enough that she can claim she has fulfilled her duty. When she decides she has had enough, she insists that their duty to him has been fulfilled: "I don't think anyone could reproach us in the slightest," she says as she suggests that they need to get rid of him.

Before his metamorphosis, Gregor is alienated from his job, his humanity, his family, and even his body, as we see from the fact that he barely notices his transformation. In fact, even his consideration for his family seems to be something alien to him, as he barely notices it when he loses this consideration at the end. After his metamorphosis, Gregor feels completely alienated from his room and environment and, as a symbol of this, can't even see his street out the window. The Metamorphosis , then, is a powerful indictment of the alienation brought on by the modern social order.

Freedom and escapism

Gregor is trapped in his job by his duty to his family, but he dreams of the day when he can finally pay off their debts and quit his job. His need for freedom from the restrictive demands of work is expressed in his metamorphosis, by means of which he escapes. This escape, however, fails to bring Gregor freedom, for he is now imprisoned by his family in his room. Thus, when Gregor works, he is enslaved by his job and, when he doesn't work, he is enslaved by his family. There is no way of balancing out freedom and duty, and in the end one is always a slave. The only means of escape turns out to be death.

Guilt stems from family duty, and is Gregor's most powerful emotion. When he is transformed into an insect, Gregor is made unable to work by circumstances beyond his control. Despite the fact that his metamorphosis is not his fault, however, he is racked by guilt every time that the family mentions money or that he thinks about the pain that he has inadvertently inflicted on them by losing the ability to support them. Guilt, it turns out, is deadly, as Gregor realizes at the end that his life is the only thing keeping the family from a better life. He dies for them just as he lived for them: out of guilt.

Personal identity

Alone in his room, Gregor tries to rebuild the self-identity that he had lost by living entirely for others and ignoring his own needs. He cannot, however, escape from what he sees as his family duty, and continues to act only to serve his family by doing his best not to inconvenience them. Gregor's comments about his family's behavior are often tinged with resentment at the way they treat him, but he will not allow himself to recognize his bitterness. Gregor manages to escape his self-effacing sense of duty only in the last chapter, when he asserts himself in realizing that his family has been neglecting him. Gregor's search for his identity seems hopeless, however, because he never had an identity to start with. He finds his humanity only at the end, when his sister's playing reminds him of his love for his family. This love, coupled with his freedom, is the final ingredient he needs to establish his identity.

The Metamorphosis Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Metamorphosis is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

In paragraph 57, note the parts of sentences that are set off in parentheses.

I'm sorry, you will need to provide the text in question.

Paragraph Eight does not pertain to Gregor's relationship with his family. What section are you referring to?

The mood of the section is best described as?

I'm sorry, what specific section are you referring to?

Study Guide for The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis study guide contains a biography of Franz Kafka, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Metamorphosis
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Essays for The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Metamorphosis.

• Separate and Alone: Alienation as a Central Theme in Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Kafka's Metamorphosis
• Sacrifice in Kafka
• Starving for Attention: Food in Kafka's Metamorphosis
• A Biographical Analysis of Kafka's The Metamorphosis
• Distorted Literature: Metamorphosis

Lesson Plan for The Metamorphosis

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Metamorphosis
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Metamorphosis Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Metamorphosis

• Introduction
• Interpretation
• Translation of the opening sentence

Themes and Analysis

The metamorphosis, by franz kafka.

'The Metamorphosis' is a masterpiece on hitting important themes, such as transformation, alienation, and responsibility.

About the Book

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Such themes in Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis touch on what it means to be human and what happens when those around you stop regarding you as such.  

The Metamorphosis Themes  

Transformation  .

The first and most important theme in The Metamorphosis is transformation. There is the primary transformation in the novel, that of Gregor, a human man, into a large insect , but there are several others as well. As the novel progresses, Gregor struggles to hang onto his humanity, it slips from him as he turns to the things that bring him pleasure in his new form. He finds sanctuary in dark places, joy in crawling on the ceilings and the walls, and is only able to stomach rotten food.  

Additionally, there is the transformation that his family members undergo. It is seen most prominently in Grete, his sister . At first, she cares for Gregor’s needs, feeding and visiting him. But as time goes on, Grete grows older and her priorities change. It becomes easier for the family to ignore the fact that Gregor exists than to continue caring for him.  

Gregor’s transformation brings with it a series of emotional transitions and obstacles that he has to overcome. The main one being the separation from his family, job, and previous role as the main breadwinner. Gregor is alienated from his former humanity, generally, as well as his former personality and role, specifically.  

Gregor is also physically alienated in his prison cell-like room. It is from there, separate from the family, that he listens to their lives carry on without him.  

Responsibility

When Gregor first discovers that he’s no longer in his human body, his first thought is for his family. He worries immediately that he’s not going to be able to get to work on time and is going to lose his job. The first pages of the novel are devoted to Gregor’s struggle to force his new body to do what his old one could easily. He cares about the responsibility he has to his family, to pay off his father’s debts and support his sister and mother.  

A reader should also consider what responsibility his family has for him after his transformation and how they didn’t fulfill it. His generosity was not repaid.

Analysis of Key Moments in The Metamorphosis

• Gregor wakes up and discovers that he’s been transformed into a giant insect.  
• Gregor’s family and boss come to check on him.  
• The family is confronted by Gregor’s new form.  
• Grete feeds Gregor and he discovers he loves rotten food.  
• Gregor leans to climb the walls and they take the furniture out of the room.  
• Gregor tries to save the image of the woman in furs.  
• Mr. Samsa attacks Gregor believing he hurt Mrs. Samsa. Gregor is badly injured.  
• Lodgers move into the house and Gregor watches his family from his room.  
• Gregor decides his family will be better off without him and he dies.  
• The family feels relief now that Gregor is gone, they move on with their lives.

Point of View and Poetic Techniques in The Metamorphosis

Narrative point of view.

As a modernist novel, there are several techniques that will likely be familiar with in The Metamorphosis. These are related to the point of view, language, and poetic techniques. The point of view employed by Franz Kafka in the novel is third-person/limited omniscient. This means the main perspective of the story comes from Gregor Samsa. The reader is within Gregor’s mind, hearing his thoughts and discovering what happened to his body at the same time as he does. Information is given to the reader when it’s available to Gregor, we are not aware of anything he isn’t. For example, Gregor struggles with eating and what it is, after his transformation, that he’s interested in.  

The reader doesn’t become aware until he is that he wants to eat rotten foods. All that being said, there are a few moments in the novel in which Kafka moves outside Gregor’s mind to give the reader a bit of information from the perspective of the other characters. These are rare moments and are reserved for occasions that benefit from the change in perspective.

Poetic Techniques

The Metamorphosis was originally written in German and titled Die Verwnadlung, this means that some poetic techniques will be lost or devised in the translation into English. Within the novel, a close reader can find examples of metaphor, irony, and symbolism. The first on this list, metaphor, is a comparison between two unlike things that does not use “like” or “as” is also present in the text.  

When using this technique a writer is saying that one thing is another thing, they aren’t just similar. It’s quite important in this novel and immediately confronts the reader. The theme of imprisonment is woven throughout the story. Metaphors reveal to the reader that Gregor is at once a prisoner of society, money, his family, and the most obvious, his new bug body. He’s trapped, in one way or another, but his prison varies.  

Another less obvious example is the weather. One moment, in particular, comes to mind at the beginning of the story when Gregor is waking up. He notes that he’s waking up late, feels poorly, and there is “still such a fog” outside. The fog lays heavy on the city. Its dreary, dark, and it obscures warmth and light. It is used as a metaphor and allusion to what is to come. His future lies within the house, not without, and it’s going to be just as dark as the weather that morning.  

Symbols in The Metamorphosis  

The picture of the woman  .

One of the most poignant symbols in The Metamorphosis is the picture of the woman on the wall of Gregor’s room. In the photo, she’s wearing furs, a hat, and a boa. It’s unclear who she’s supposed to be, but she’s there as a reminder of Gregor’s lost future, the warmth of human company, and his own distant humanity. More than anything else, the fact that he acquired, hung, and admired the photo while he was still human is important to him.  

When the furniture is removed from his room Gregor begins to panic. Gregor turns to the picture as the single thing he’s going to fight to keep. He’s desperate at this moment, and through his actions, a reader should interpret a need to hang on to some piece of his humanity.  

Gregor as an Insect  

The creature Gregor turns into, sometimes referred to as a giant insect, bug, or vermin, is representative of the life that Gregor led before he was transformed. His human day-to-day life was made physical. Once transformed, the toll that his job, family, colleagues, and money worries had on him is realized in the real world.

Food  

Food is a symbol of the Gregor’s family’s remaining regard for their son. Grete, the most important secondary character in the novel takes on the responsibility for feeding and checking on Gregor. It is due to Grete that he’s able to eat and maintain a shred of his humanity. At first, they believe he’s going to eat the same things he did when he was human, but they soon discover that he’s only able to eat rotten food. As time passes, the family loses interest in Gregor and become exhausted from remembering that he’s there. They stop feeding him and he is forced to suffer, starving, as the new lodgers eat in his kitchen.  

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Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka is best remembered as the Existentialist author of novellas and short stories such as ' The Metamorphosis ' and ' The Trial '.

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What was absurdism and how does it relate to Franz Kafka's literary works?

You will get to know me better; there are still a number of horrible recesses in me that you don’t know . Franz Kafka

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Metamorphosis — The Metamorphosis: An Analysis of Franz Kafka’s Classic

The Metamorphosis: an Analysis of Franz Kafka's Classic

• Categories: Metamorphosis

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Published: Jan 29, 2024

Words: 773 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Analysis of the protagonist's transformation, exploration of familial relationships and societal expectations, examination of the role of work and the dehumanization of labor, interpretation of the existential themes in the text.

• Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Schocken Books, 2008.
• Fleishman, Avrom. "Kafka's "Metamorphosis" and Contemporary Criticism." The Kenyon Review, vol. 29, no. 4, 1967, pp. 491–514. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/4334805.
• Duncan, Edward. "Kafka's Metamorphosis: Rebellion and Punishment." German Quarterly, vol. 47, no. 1, 1974, pp. 48–59. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/405433.

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The Metamorphosis: Essay Topics & Samples

The Metamorphosis is one of Kafka’s best-known books. It is also one of the most intricate literary pieces in world literature. This is why coming up with an excellent The Metamorphosis essay topic can be challenging. The following list can help you to get started. See if any of these ten topics pique your interest.

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Essay Topics

• Describe Gregor’s life before the metamorphosis. To write an outstanding The Metamorphosis essay on this topic, try to answer the following questions. What was Gregor’s life before his physical transformation? Do you think any circumstances in his life could’ve had a dehumanizing effect on him before the physical change? Did he like his work? Did he have friends?
• What is the significance of the number “3” in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis? The number “3” is a significant symbol in The Metamorphosis book. Enumerate the elements of the novel that come in three: rooms, chapters, family members, tenants, etc. What might this number symbolize? Do you think there is religious symbolism in the novella?
• How can you interpret The Metamorphosis through the existential lens? In The Metamorphosis essay, you can offer an existentialist interpretation of the novella. Think about the questions like: Is Kafka an existentialist writer? What are some elements of existentialist literature, and can you find them in The Metamorphosis? In which ways Gregor questions his existence? Is happiness attainable for him?
• Father and Son relationships in The Metamorphosis. You can divide this essay into two parts. The father-son relationships before the physical transformation can become the focus of the first part. Think about how Gregor’s father treated him as a human. In the second part of Metamorphosis’s essay, you can analyze the relationships after the transformation.
• Analyze the dehumanizing effect of work in Gregor Samsa’s life. How does Kafka start the novella ? Why does Gregor only think about his work when he wakes up? Do you believe it is essential for the readers to know what profession Gregor had before the transformation? What effect does Gregor’s job have on his metamorphosis?
• Write about food as a symbol of starving for attention. In this essay, you should focus on the use of food symbols in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis . What do these symbols tell about the relationships in the family? Analyze every account of food in the story and see how the character transformation is described through it.
• Explore the theme of isolation and alienation in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. First, you can explain the difference between isolation and alienation . Using the text, tell why Gregor’s isolation happened before his transformation into an insect. Does physical change reveal the emotional separation in the family? What about Gregor’s inner self? Was there an alienation from his true self?
• What is the importance of third-person narration in The Metamorphosis? If you decide to choose this topic, think about Kafka’s choice to use third-person narration. What does this perspective allow the readers to see? Would the story be different if the author used another technique? For instance, if Kafka told the story through the eyes of Grete.
• Analysis of Gregor’s inability to communicate with the family. The paradox in The Metamorphosis by Kafka is that Gregor’s inability to communicate was present even before his physical transformation . Give some examples from the text—for instance, Gregor’s dissatisfaction with his work, etc. How did his physical inability to speak after the change contribute to his alienation, both emotional and physical?
• Trace Grete’s metamorphosis. Grete’s transformation is thematically significant for understanding the novella. It seems that The Metamorphosis is a book about Gregor’s transformation. However, Grete’s metamorphosis, in a way, is more symbolic. What does it symbolize? What are the stages of her change?

Essay Samples

To dive deeper into the story’s analysis, check The Metamorphosis essay samples below. Here you’ll see how to explore the novella and prove your opinion on the given topic .

• Metamorphosis and the Necklace The author of the essay compares two completely different stories, revealing similar aspects and themes. Melancholy and sadness are in focus as they are connected to death in both stories, though on various levels. See how Kafka’s and Maupassant’s stories are connected in the paper.
• Infinite Regression in Franz Kafka’s Works Franz Kafka is a writer with a tragic life filled with suffering and health issues. His problems inevitably affected his works, which reflected the author’s inner turmoils ad philosophy. In the essay, the writer analyzes Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and The Castle and examines the infinite regression in them.
• Transformation in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” Kafka’s implementation of this theme in the novella has illustrated the change of the main characters. Gregor Samsa, the protagonist, changed physically, which affected his family. The present paper explains how the main character’s change led to the psychological transformation of everyone.
• Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”: Life in Modernity The complexity of The Metamorphosis ’s plot has been a topic for many debates. In the novella, the author depicts the existential nature of urbanization. The essay discusses how the central character represents the metaphor of being released from the norms of society.
• Lessons Learned from “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka The central character, Gregor Samsa, turns into an insect. This transformation significantly changes his life and separates him from the rest of the people. This paper discusses the lessons learned from the experiences of the main character.
• Absurdity in “The Metamorphosis” and “The Stranger” One of the central themes of The Metamorphosis and The Stranger is that the world and the norms of society are absurd. The stories also explore physical and emotional detachments and how they affect people. The paper compares and contrasts them on the topic of absurdity.
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The Metamorphosis Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of The Metamorphosis research paper topics and is dedicated to students studying literature. It is an essential resource for those assigned to write a research paper and are seeking guidance on choosing a topic. The topics are divided into ten categories, encompassing themes, character analysis, symbolism, societal context, the author’s biography, literary devices, narrative structure, adaptations, psychological analysis, and philosophical interpretations.

100 The Metamorphosis Research Paper Topics

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a seminal work in Western literature that has spurred a myriad of interpretations and analyses. From its intricate symbolism to its complex characters and societal commentary, it remains a rich field of study for scholars and students alike. A vast array of The Metamorphosis research paper topics can be derived from this single novella, ranging from an examination of its themes and narrative techniques to a deep dive into its historical context and influence on contemporary literature.

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• The role of transformation in The Metamorphosis .
• The theme of isolation and alienation.
• The depiction of family dynamics.
• The existentialist undertones in The Metamorphosis .
• The significance of work and responsibility.
• The theme of self-sacrifice.
• The absurdity of life as depicted in the novella.
• The struggle for identity in The Metamorphosis .
• The portrayal of authority figures.
• The theme of guilt and redemption.

Character Analysis

• A detailed character analysis of Gregor Samsa.
• The character development of Grete Samsa.
• The role and influence of Mr. Samsa.
• The significance of Mrs. Samsa in the storyline.
• A comparison of minor characters in The Metamorphosis .
• The character of The Charwoman and its symbolism.
• The portrayal of the Lodgers in the novella.
• The influence of the Chief Clerk on Gregor’s life.
• A psychological analysis of Gregor Samsa.
• The transformation of the Samsa family over the course of the novella.
• The symbolism behind Gregor’s transformation.
• The significance of the title The Metamorphosis .
• The role of food and nourishment in the story.
• The symbolism of the furniture in Gregor’s room.
• The significance of the picture on Gregor’s wall.
• The symbolism of the window in Gregor’s room.
• The role of money and financial dependency in the novella.
• The depiction of societal alienation through symbolism.
• The role of the door as a symbol in The Metamorphosis .
• The use of insects and vermin as symbols in literature.

Societal Context

• The reflection of societal norms in The Metamorphosis .
• The critique of capitalism in The Metamorphosis .
• The depiction of the working class in the early 20th century.
• The role of women in society as portrayed in the novella.
• The influence of societal expectations on the characters.
• The representation of the employer-employee relationship.
• The impact of economic pressure on the Samsa family.
• The role of bureaucracy in Gregor’s life.
• The portrayal of the boarding house in the novella.
• The influence of urbanization on the storyline.

Author’s Biography

• The influence of Franz Kafka’s life on The Metamorphosis .
• A comparison of Kafka’s personal experiences with those of Gregor.
• The role of Kafka’s father in his writing.
• The influence of Kafka’s work experiences on The Metamorphosis .
• The reflection of Kafka’s health struggles in the novella.
• The impact of Kafka’s relationships on his writing.
• The role of Prague in shaping Kafka’s worldview.
• The influence of Jewish culture on Kafka’s writing.
• Kafka’s relationship with existentialism.
• The impact of Kafka’s education on his writing style.

Literary Devices

• The use of irony in The Metamorphosis .
• The role of metaphor in the depiction of transformation.
• The use of dark humor in the novella.
• The narrative structure of The Metamorphosis .
• The use of symbolism in The Metamorphosis .
• The role of foreshadowing in the storyline.
• The use of personification in The Metamorphosis .
• The importance of imagery in the novella.
• The use of repetition in The Metamorphosis .
• The role of contrast in The Metamorphosis .

Narrative Structure

• Analyzing the three-part structure of The Metamorphosis .
• The role of the narrator in The Metamorphosis .
• The use of perspective in the novella.
• How the narrative structure influences the reader’s perception.
• The role of flashbacks in The Metamorphosis .
• The influence of the narrative pace on the storyline.
• The importance of dialogue in the novella.
• The use of interior monologue in The Metamorphosis .
• The influence of the narrative style on the novella’s themes.
• Analyzing the ending of The Metamorphosis .

Adaptations

• Comparing the novella to its film adaptations.
• The influence of The Metamorphosis on popular culture.
• Analyzing stage adaptations of The Metamorphosis .
• The interpretation of The Metamorphosis in visual arts.
• The representation of Gregor Samsa in different adaptations.
• The impact of the novella on modern literature.
• The portrayal of the Samsa family in film adaptations.
• Analyzing the adaptations of The Metamorphosis in different languages.
• The depiction of transformation in various adaptations.
• The influence of The Metamorphosis on contemporary fiction.

Psychological Analysis

• Analyzing Gregor Samsa’s mental state.
• The impact of transformation on Gregor’s psyche.
• The role of the subconscious in The Metamorphosis .
• The depiction of anxiety and depression in the novella.
• Analyzing the family dynamics in The Metamorphosis .
• The psychological impact of isolation in The Metamorphosis .
• The role of guilt and shame in Gregor’s transformation.
• Analyzing the character of Grete from a psychological perspective.
• The influence of societal pressure on the characters’ mental health.
• The depiction of existential crisis in The Metamorphosis .

Philosophical Interpretations

• The existential themes in The Metamorphosis .
• The concept of absurdity in Kafka’s work.
• Analyzing The Metamorphosis from a nihilistic perspective.
• The role of freedom and choice in the novella.
• The depiction of alienation in The Metamorphosis .
• The concept of identity in The Metamorphosis .
• Analyzing the theme of meaninglessness in The Metamorphosis .
• The interpretation of The Metamorphosis from a religious perspective.
• The role of responsibility in The Metamorphosis .
• The concept of metamorphosis as a metaphor for existential transformation.

Exploring the multitude of The Metamorphosis research paper topics enables one to gain a deeper understanding of Kafka’s masterful narrative and its impact on literature and society. From character analysis and thematic exploration to an examination of its symbolic elements and societal context, The Metamorphosis offers a vast and rich terrain for academic exploration. It is our hope that this comprehensive list of topics will serve as a valuable resource for students and scholars looking to delve deeper into the intricacies of this seminal work.

The Metamorphosis

And the range of research paper topics it offers.

“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka, a seminal work in modern literature, presents an array of intriguing research paper topics. Centered around Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who mysteriously transforms into a giant insect, the narrative explores profound themes such as alienation, guilt, and existentialism. Despite its brevity, the novella’s nuanced layers of meaning make it a treasure trove of research topics.

Themes in The Metamorphosis

A pivotal aspect that renders The Metamorphosis significant is its thematic depth. Alienation, a recurrent theme, is vivid throughout the story. Gregor’s insect transformation metaphorically echoes the isolation he had experienced long before his metamorphosis, intensifying his physical and emotional estrangement as his family increasingly distances themselves. This theme can be correlated to broader societal issues of the era, thus making it a compelling research paper topic. Another fundamental theme is life’s absurdity, a common Kafkaesque motif. The inexplicable nature of Gregor’s transformation, his family’s reaction, and the ensuing events underscore life’s irrationality and unpredictability, themes resonant with existentialist philosophy. Additionally, the novella examines themes of identity, freedom, and responsibility, rendering The Metamorphosis a multifaceted work replete with research paper topics.

The characters in The Metamorphosis are intricately constructed, making them excellent research paper subjects. Gregor Samsa, the main character, is especially fascinating. His insect transformation symbolizes his feelings of worthlessness and isolation. A thorough character analysis of Gregor can illuminate his mental state and the underlying causes of his transformation. Other characters, such as Grete, Gregor’s sister, and his parents, are also intriguing subjects for analysis. Grete’s evolution from a compassionate sister to a resentful caregiver parallels Gregor’s transformation, making her character an interesting research topic. Similarly, the parents’ shifting attitudes towards Gregor reflect their struggle to accept their son’s transformation.

Author’s Intentions

Franz Kafka’s life and experiences profoundly influenced his writing. Analyzing Kafka’s biography can elucidate his motivations for writing The Metamorphosis . Kafka had a tumultuous relationship with his father, mirrored in the dynamics between Gregor and his father in the novella. Additionally, Kafka’s own feelings of alienation and inadequacy are reflected in Gregor’s character. A research paper examining Kafka’s biography in relation to the novella’s themes and characters can offer a deeper understanding of The Metamorphosis .

Kafka’s use of literary devices in The Metamorphosis is another fruitful area for research. His use of symbolism, for instance, is pervasive throughout the novella. Gregor’s transformation into an insect symbolizes his feelings of alienation and worthlessness, while the shifting dynamics of the Samsa family symbolize the societal changes taking place during Kafka’s time. Kafka also employs irony and dark humor to underscore the absurdity of Gregor’s situation and the Samsa family’s reaction to it. A research paper exploring the various literary devices used by Kafka in The Metamorphosis can provide insight into the novella’s deeper meanings.

The Metamorphosis is a profound and intricate work that presents a plethora of research paper topics. Its exploration of themes such as alienation, absurdity, and existentialism, its complex characters, the author’s intentions, and the use of literary devices all provide fertile ground for analysis and interpretation. This article has merely touched on the vast array of research paper topics that The Metamorphosis offers. Whether one chooses to delve deeper into the themes, conduct a detailed character analysis, explore Kafka’s biography and its influence on the novella, or examine the literary devices employed, The Metamorphosis offers numerous opportunities for insightful research and analysis.

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Current Trends and Topics in Pop Culture: a 2024 Perspective

This essay about pop culture explores the significant role that popular culture plays in reflecting and shaping societal norms and values. It discusses how various elements of pop culture, such as films, television, and music, serve as mirrors to societal changes and forums for addressing complex social issues like gender, race, and morality. The essay highlights the transformative impact of digital culture, particularly through social media, which has democratized the creation and dissemination of cultural content, allowing users and influencers to shape cultural narratives alongside traditional media. It also touches on the real-world influence of pop culture, exemplified by its effect on fashion trends and tourism. Overall, the essay argues that pop culture is not only a reflection of current societal dynamics but also a powerful force in driving societal change and understanding, making its study essential for comprehending modern social trends and behaviors.

How it works

Pop culture, a truncation for mainstream culture, denotes the extensive assortment of attitudes, ideologies, visuals, perspectives, and other phenomena within the hegemony of a given culture, particularly Western culture during the belated 20th and premature 21st centuries. Profoundly influenced by mass media, this compendium of notions saturates the quotidian lives of individuals in society. Presently, mainstream culture is frequently articulated and disseminated via commercial media channels such as periodicals, journals, television, cinema, melodies, and online content. Comprehending the profundity and expansiveness of mainstream culture can furnish us with insights into communal norms, ethics, and the collective fascinations of diverse factions.

One pivotal facet of mainstream culture is its function in signifying societal metamorphoses and mirroring modern apprehensions, frequently acting as a gauge for societal quandaries. For instance, cinematographic productions and television series can echo or confront societal standards, tendering commentary on matters such as gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. The surge of superhero cinematography over the bygone two decades, for instance, not solely denotes a change in recreational predilections but also reflects deeper societal quandaries concerning integrity, morality, and individual versus communal responsibility.

Melody, another momentous domain of mainstream culture, functions as a potent mode of articulation and a utensil for cultural identity amid juveniles. From the inception of rock and roll in the 1950s to present-day hip-hop, the metamorphosis of musical genres is intimately interwoven with civic movements and the evolving principles of society. Artisans frequently employ their platform to draw attention to political predicaments, influence communal sentiment, and galvanize aficionados. The sway of musical carnivals and live performances also highlights the communal facet of music in shaping cultures and subcultures.

Cybernetic culture, predominantly the ascension of social media, has metamorphosed the panorama of mainstream culture by amplifying trends and erecting platforms where virtually anyone can partake in cultural origination and diffusion. Memes, viral videos, and trending hashtags can now proliferate across the globe in a matter of hours, engendering instantaneous, albeit sometimes ephemeral, cultural phenomena. This egalitarianism of content production has transmuted the dynamics of who is deemed a ‘cultural arbiter’. Influencers and ordinary users can now attain a level of influence that was once reserved for prominent media channels and luminaries.

Furthermore, the repercussion of mainstream culture extends beyond mere amusement; it shapes real-world behaviors and perspectives. For instance, vogue trends can emanate from a solitary influential luminary appearance and promptly become mainstream, impacting sartorial preferences globally. Similarly, prevalent television series like “Game of Thrones” can profoundly sway tourism, with aficionados voyaging to shooting locales, underscoring mainstream culture’s capacity to sway economies.

In summation, mainstream culture subjects are not solely reflections of present communal principles and norms but are also momentous catalysts of metamorphosis. They furnish a framework through which we discern the progression of society and tender a medium for individuals to articulate themselves, commune with others, and mold their milieu. Grasping mainstream culture is imperative for anyone seeking to comprehend the intricacies of contemporary societal dynamics and the forces shaping communal sentiment and consumer demeanor today. Through its scrutiny, we can better discern the zeitgeist of disparate epochs and prognosticate future trends in our expeditiously evolving world.

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Golden Visa Programs, Once a Boon, Lose Their Luster

Spain is the latest European country to end its program, which brought in billions of euros from real estate investors seeking residency status but worsened a housing crisis for locals.

Apartments in Madrid. Golden visa programs are being phased out or shut down around Europe. Credit... Emilio Parra Doiztua for The New York Times

Supported by

By Liz Alderman

Liz Alderman, who writes about economics, has widely covered Europe’s financial crisis and the aftermath.

• Published April 21, 2024 Updated April 22, 2024

When Ana Jimena Barba, a young doctor, began working at a hospital in Madrid last year, she moved in with her parents half an hour outside the city until she could save enough to buy her own home. But when she started looking at houses in the same village, almost everything was priced at more than 500,000 euros.

The amount — nearly 20 times more than the average annual salary in Spain — happens to correspond to the cost of the country’s “golden visa,” a program that offers residency to wealthy foreigners who buy real estate there. After a decade, the program has reeled in billions of euros in investments, but it has also helped fuel a wrenching housing crisis for its own citizens.

“There’s nothing I can afford,” said Dr. Barba, an allergist who has been working 100 hours overtime every month to save up a nest egg. “If foreigners inflate the prices for those of us who live here, it’s an injustice,” she said.

Faced with growing pressure to address its housing crunch, Spain said this month that it would scrap its golden visas, the latest in a wider withdrawal from the program by governments around Europe.

Half a dozen eurozone countries offered the visas at the height of Europe’s debt crisis in 2012 to help plug gaping budget deficits. Countries that needed international bailouts — Spain , Ireland , Portugal and Greece among them — were especially desperate for cash to repay creditors, and saw a path to bring in investors while reviving their moribund real estate markets.

Countries reaped a windfall: Spain alone has issued 14,576 visas linked to wealthy buyers making real estate investments of more than €500,000. But the prices that they can afford are squeezing people like Dr. Barba out of a market that had already been highly inflated by the rise of Airbnb and the draw of Wall Street investors.

“Access to housing needs to be a right instead of a speculative business,” Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s prime minister, said in a speech this month as he announced the end of the country’s golden visa program. “Major cities are facing highly stressed markets, and it’s almost impossible to find decent housing for those who already live, work and pay their taxes.”

The visas make it easy for people outside the European Union to buy the right to temporary residency, sometimes without having to live in the country. Investors from China, Russia and the Middle East flocked to buy real estate through them.

In recent years, British nationals have followed suit in the wake of Brexit, snapping up homes in Greece, Portugal and Spain, joined by an increasing number of Americans looking to enjoy a lifestyle they can’t afford in major U.S. cities.

But golden visa programs are now being phased out or shut down around Europe as governments seek to undo the damage to the housing market. And after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, E.U. officials urged governments to end them, warning they could be used for money laundering, tax evasion and even organized crime.

Portugal, which has reaped more than €5.8 billion in investment from the visas, modified its program in October to remove real estate as an investment to reduce speculative buying and cool an overheated housing market. An influx of foreigners has displaced thousands of low-income Portuguese citizens from homes in cities like Lisbon.

The government in Lisbon is trying to fix the affordable housing problem with new rules that would require landlords to rent empty flats to families, capping rents and converting some commercial real estate to housing.

Ireland shut down its program last year, in part to address concerns that Russian nationals were laundering money through it.

Greece , one of the last countries in Europe to offer a golden visa, is raising its foreign investment threshold to €800,000 from €500,000 in the Athens area and on popular islands including Mykonos and Santorini. The country’s prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, acknowledged severe housing shortages and pressure on rental markets, especially around Athens, but he said the government still wanted to draw investors. Greece raised €4.3 billion in investment from the visas from 2021 to 2023 alone.

A report released by the Institute of Labor Economics in March said the visa programs had helped spur economic development in countries offering them. But governments need to strike “a delicate balance between reaping economic benefits and safeguarding against potential risks,” including money laundering and rampant gentrification, the report said.

The pullback is coming as a broader housing crisis grips Europe , after years in which its real estate markets have undergone a profound metamorphosis that has increasingly pushed out modest-income workers, including doctors, teachers and police officers.

Gentrification has spread throughout European cities for decades, but the rise of Airbnb and other short-term rental providers has accelerated the affordability crisis. That was especially the case in countries affected by Europe’s debt crisis, where property owners discovered they could make more by renting to tourists than to locals whose finances had been squeezed by austerity programs.

Golden visa programs compounded the strain. In Greece, which initially granted foreigners a five-year residency visa if they invested €250,000, many apartment and home listings around Athens and on breezy Greek islands suddenly shot up from bargain-basement prices to €250,000, well out of reach for most Greeks.

Laura McDowell, an agent at the Athens-based Mobilia real estate agency, said that short-term rentals had made rents unaffordable in city centers, and the problem was worsened when investors from numerous countries converted homes purchased through golden visa programs to vacation rentals, further squeezing the supply of affordable housing.

The scheme lured Chinese nationals in particular, with many flying to Athens carrying suitcases loaded with cash . Chinese investment companies also bought buildings in low-income neighborhoods and areas with student housing, renovating apartments and reselling them to visa seekers. Today, entire apartment blocks even in once undesirable zones in and around Athens are owned largely by foreigners.

“Prices driven up by golden visas haven’t come down,” Ms. McDowell said. “Greeks have been priced out.”

In Spain, Chinese investors made up nearly half of visa seekers, followed by Russians. Low interest rates set by the European Central Bank compounded the problem in recent years by drawing more real estate investors outside the visa program, said Ernest Urtasun, Spain’s culture minister.

The Spanish government plans to construct 40,000 social housing units for people with limited resources as part of a broader plan to restore affordable lodging.

But it is uncertain that will help people like Dr. Barba quickly. Despite Spain’s recovery from the financial crisis, wages have failed to keep pace with the growth in the real estate market. Nearly a fifth of workers earn the minimum wage of €1,134 a month, while rents in Madrid jumped 15 percent in 2023. A 3.2 percent inflation rate has added to the strain.

Dr. Barba has been saving money for the past three years for a down payment on a home. She rented a room in a shared apartment in Barcelona when she began training as an allergist at a downtown hospital. But her monthly income was consumed by basic living expenses including food, rent and transport.

To save more, she transferred to the hospital in Madrid and now lives with her parents rent-free outside the city, working overtime to bump up her salary to €1,900. But with homes even in her parents’ village priced at half a million euros, she feels hopeless.

“It would take years to save up enough to put down a deposit on a home,” Dr. Barba said. “Buying a home is just a dream.”

Rachel Chaundler contributed reporting from Madrid, and Niki Kitsantonis from Athens.

Liz Alderman is the chief European business correspondent, writing about economic, social and policy developments around Europe. More about Liz Alderman

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