The Metamorphosis Existentialism Essay - 763 Words

Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is a masterfully written novella about Gregor Samsa, a man who devotes his life to his family and work, for nothing in return. Only when he is transformed into a helpless beetle does he begin to develop a self-identity and understand the relationships around him. The underlying theme of The Metamorphosis is an existential one that says that any given choice will govern the later course of a person’s life and that a person has ultimate will over making choices. In this case, Gregor’s choices of his part in society cause him to have a lack of identity that has made him to be numb to everything around him. One morning Gregor awakens to find himself transformed into a beetle. Although the reader is never†¦show more content†¦He relied solely and completely on his son. After Gregor’s transformation, his father followed suit. He became a proud and productive individual of the lower bureaucracy. He found the balance between work and leisure that Gregor could not. According to Kafka and existentialism, people have both an individual side and a side with the commitment of society. It is our choices that must be in moderation of the two, to maintain balance. If a person chooses himself over society, he will lose the support of society; however, if a person chooses society, he will lose his individuality. Gregor initially chooses society over himself, which in turn transformed him into the working drone he was. After his physical transformation, he is forced reassert his focus to himself, and society abandons him. Through Gregor’s plight, his family became cohesive and productive in society, each contributing through work and leisure. Gregor learned to live for himself too late to become a whole person. Gregor begins to look for entertainment and fun in the form of a bug, a form that knows nothing but work, by crawling up to the ceiling and hanging from there, or from wall to wall over the various objects, this gave him a feeling o f â€Å"almost happy absent-mindedness† (32). Haven given up any hope of returning to his human form or being a civilized working part of society ever again, this was one of the only joys Gregor had left in his life. By ignoring the purpose of being anShow MoreRelated Existentialism in Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis and The Hunger Artist1401 Words   |  6 PagesExistentialism in The Metamorphosis and The Hunger Artist       Existentialism is a philosophy dealing with mans aloneness in the universe. Either there is no God or else God stands apart from man, leaving him free will to make his own choices. From this basic idea of man being alone in an uncertain and purposeless world, many related ideas have developed. One great worry of existentialist writers is that life is becoming too complicated and too impersonal. People become more and moreRead MoreExistentialism in Camus and Kafka1697 Words   |  7 PagesExistentialism in Camus, ‘the Outsider and Kafkas, ‘The Metamorphosis Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis and Albert Camus The Outsider, both feature protagonists in situations out of which arise existentialist values. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of ones acts. In TheRead MoreExistentialism in Literature and Science846 Words   |  3 PagesExistentialism is the philosophical approach or theory that emphasizes an individual’s existence as a free and responsible being determining his own development through acts of the will (â€Å"Existentialism†). What does that mean exactly? To make it easier to understand, that means humans as people are shaping their own destinies with every choice they make. That seems quite obvious, but to further understand the meaning of existentialism, it must be analyzed through the impacts i t has had on bothRead MoreThe Relationship Between Gregor and Samsa Essay1670 Words   |  7 Pagesthe meaning and purpose of existence, Franz Kafka is one to be noted and studied. A follower of the existentialism movement, he made it a point explore existential philosophy in his literary works. In Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, the main character Gregor Samsa is the parallel to Franz Kafka which is evident through the portrayal of their similar paternal relationships, ties to existentialism, and their inability to exist without the interference of others. 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His distinguishing philosophy of existentialism consists of two main concepts: isolation and desperation. The notion of alienation is a fundamental theme that is condensed throughout the short story. Gregor Samsa, main character and protagonist of The Metamorphosis, goes through a complete physical transfigurationRead MoreThe Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka1052 Words   |  4 PagesFranz Kafka wrote one of his most popular books, The Metamorphosis, during the literary period and movement of existentialism. His novella stresses many existential ideals. The most predominant ideal that is seen through Gregor Samsa and his father in The Metamorphosis is that choice is the opportune of the individual. One’s ultimate goal in life is to successfully find a balance between work and leisure. It is through the juxtaposition of Gregor Samsa and his father, the conceding tone of the authorRead MoreExistentialism As A Philosophical Theory1511 Words   |  7 PagesThe New Oxford American Dictionary defines existentialism as â€Å"a philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will† . Existentialist writings feature a protagonist that does or does not make their own life, their own way. Existentialism promotes the ideology that man’s actions are the only things that determine a person’s existence and that all events brought on by man areRead MoreA Concrete Human Existence, And The Conditions Of Such Existence1689 Words   |  7 Pagesby the idea of human worthlessness. Literature- Existentialism, though it had been present since the 19th century, came of age in the mid-20th Century. This was largely through the scholarly and fictional works of the French existentialists, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and Simone de Beauvoir. The heavily influenced post WWII movement spurred up a whole new way of thinking. Sartre made the movement popular in that he defined â€Å"Existentialism† and wrote many works solely centered on his viewsRead More Essay on Gregor as Catalyst for Metamorphosis1247 Words   |  5 PagesGregor as Catalyst for Metamorphosis of the Family    In Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Gregor is not the only presence that undergoes a complete transformation. Sometimes a change in one area of life will give way to changes in other areas, but the ensuing changes would not have come about without the first change that set things in motion. This is the case with Gregor and his family. Gregor’s family was in dire need of change, and Gregor’s condition became a powerful catalyst for that change

Trainspotting Addiction and Familiar Environment Free Essays

I chose not to choose life; I chose something else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you’ve got heroin? Mark ‘Rent Boy’ Renton is a young Scot that suffers from heroin addiction and is on a downward spiral of drugs and crime. We will write a custom essay sample on Trainspotting: Addiction and Familiar Environment or any similar topic only for you Order Now He repeatedly wants to quit and tries to do so, but always seems to succumb to just one more hit in order to cope with his life. With his friends, he is trapped in a seedy urban underworld in spite of the efforts of his family to get him clean. However, Mark has a secret desire to make more of his life, and finds himself facing a choice; staying with his friends in his familiar environment or starting his life over. ‘Trainspotting’ is a very controversial film, which touches upon quite a bit of themes, though drug abuse is certainly the main issue dealt with; Mark and his friends are all addicted to heroin and the film explores the causes of drug abuse and its dangerous aftermath – which in this particular case is death; Mark’s friend, Tommy, dies from an overdose and even a little baby girl dies, presumably from living in the intoxicating atmosphere of 4 drug addicts’ flat. Beyond drug abuse, another concurrent theme in the film is redemption – and how unattainable it is; we follow Mark making his way out of drugs, on his journey to redeem himself. He struggles to break out of the vicious circle he is stuck in but lastly succeeds, finds redemption and forgives himself. Trainspotting’ deals with national identity as well, in this case the lack of a true Scottish identity; Mark sees Scotland as nation ‘colonized by wankers’ and feels as though the stereotypical Scottish identity (with connotations of valour and honour) is false heritage. He escapes from Scotland hence his Scottish identity when he moves to London and isolates himself, though he can’t abandon his ‘Scottishness’ completely. How to cite Trainspotting: Addiction and Familiar Environment, Papers

Guasha Review free essay sample

Wei Shuwei The movie Guashas setting is in America. It tells a story about the conflicts arisen by the culture differences between the Chinese an American. Xu Datong, a Chinese immigrant, had made a great success in the field of video game design. One day, Datongs little son, Denis had a stomachache. The grandfather, who just came to Join the family, used Guasha treatment to cure Denis stomachache. The treatment made Dennis back black and blue, which later became the evidence of child abuse. Datong ook all the responslbllltles for his father. Although he tried to explain that Guashd Is a traditional Chinese treatment but failed to persuade the Judge. He was forced to separate from his wite and son. However, the story had a happy ending. Datongs boss experienced Guasha and helped the family out of the trouble. At the beginning of the movie, Datong seemed to have realized his American dream, for he had a successful career, a lovely wife and an adorable child. We will write a custom essay sample on Guasha Review or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He believed that America was a true land of opportunities and Immigrants could become the truly uccessful Americans by working hard. However, life is not always full of roses. The American dream broke overnight due to the Guasha treatment to his own child. We cant tell it Is the American or the Chinese that did the wrong things. The cultural differences and local laws shouldnt be Ignored by immigrants. The main line of the movie was the Guasha treatment. The children welfare organization accused Datong of abusing his child. Like other Chinese, Datong took It for granted that Guasha was just an ordinary medical treatment. However, the American didnt think so. He tried to detend himselt but tailed to win the lawsuit. As he didnt have an effective communication, he failed to persuade the American even his good friend that Guasha was a medical treatment. Later his good friend went to experience Cuashd and realized that what he said was true. When he was accused, he failed to learn in advance the American legal system and procedures and did something Irrational, which put him Into troubles again and again. Also the Chinese tace culture is shown in the movie, which cant be understood by the American. Datong beat Dennis on the head because he didnt want to say sorry to Paul, son of Datongs boss. His boss thought kids fight was not a big deal. Although he didnt think his son was wrong, he beat him In front of his boss to show his respect to his boss. His behavior later became the evidence that he was a violent father. Another difference is respecting and caring aged parents. Datongs boss couldnt unaerstana wny ne0 mace a scapegoat Tor nls Tatner. Datongs wlTe simply rellea because he is a Chinese. Datongs cultural beliefs were so deeply set that its mpossible for him think about the consequences of telling lies. Cultural differences are bound to be there due to the differences in perspective of philosophy, history, geography, mode of conduct etc. So do as Rome does while in Rome. Its necessary to have the intercultural awareness, tolerate and adapt to the cultural diversity. Effective communication could be a way to solve the cultural differences. After the communication the world would be more harmony in the future. I think thats why the hero named Datong in Chinese.

The Great Wall of China Essay Sample free essay sample

My household and I went to the Great Wall of China on a Christmas Holiday three old ages ago. It was winter and the beautiful white snow poured down on the frozen land. The chilling air current seeped into the thick beds of my jacket and touched my organic structure with its cold slender fingers. We used the overseas telegram auto to make the top of The Great Wall. Siting in the overseas telegram auto was a awful experience because it sways to a great extent due to the strong air current blowing on the cold metal surface. The overseas telegram autos were forced to halt really frequently because of the turbulency. At the top of the Great Wall of China. the scene was merely beautiful. The tall mountains covered in soft powdery snow were antic scene. There were many tourers sing The Great Wall every bit good. The floor was slippery because of the moisture melted snow. We will write a custom essay sample on The Great Wall of China Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Everybody was cautious in their stairss so that they would non fall. The crowd was incredible. there was about as many people at the dark market as there were on the Great Wall of China. There were many merchandisers selling keepsake every bit good as a photo-taking service. No 1 would lose the opportunity of acquiring their exposures taken with their households. There were many tourers disputing themselves to mount the step to acquire higher on the Great Wall. The floor was slippery ; therefore they had to trust on the hand-railings to mount up the step. The scene was even more antic at the top of the incline. The snow radiances dazzlingly and reflected the brightness of the Sun. The top of Great Wall was terribly cold that I felt I was standing at the fringe benefit of North Pole. but the scene appreciation my eyes every bit good as other tourers. The sight of dropping snowflakes was like watching bright stars falling. It was the most arresting thing that I of all time seen with my really ain eyes. This was the first clip that I witnessed the existent feeling of the Mother Nature. After the sight-seeing. we took the overseas telegram auto down the Great Wall. We arrived at a little convenient store that sells food markets and drinks. My household and I drank hot tea to warm ourselves. The warm feeling of the tea was great after half a twenty-four hours exposed in the cold chilly winter air current. We bought shirts with the picture of the Great Wall and some other keepsakes to retrieve the magnetizing position on the Great Wall of China.