Is Kafka in his “Metamorphosis” cynical? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer

Is Kafka in his “Metamorphosis” cynical? Give reasons for your answer. [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★

Cynicism means a bitter view of life. It is the belief that people are selfish and think only of money, power, and comfort. Franz Kafka’s (1883–1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915) is full of such cynicism. In the Samsa house, Gregor works hard but gets no love. His boss mistrusts him. His family rejects him. This makes Kafka’s tone deeply cynical.

Cynicism about Job and Boss: Gregor wakes up in his room as a vermin. Still, he thinks first about his job and the train. He says,

“Oh, God… what a strenuous career it is that I’ve chosen!”

This shows his suffering as a salesman. The Chief Clerk arrives at the Samsa house, only to suspect him. He tells the family that Gregor is careless and lazy. Kafka is cynical here. He shows that modern jobs treat workers like machines. They value money more than human health. Readers feel the bitter truth that work has no real care for human life.

Cynicism about Family Love: Gregor always thinks of his family’s debts. He wants to support his mother, father, and Sister Grete. But when he changes, their love quickly ends. His father grows angry. He throws apples when Gregor comes out of his room one evening. One apple gets stuck in Gregor’s back and wounds him badly. His mother faints in fear. Grete cries, but later tells the family to get rid of him. She says,

“We have to try and get rid of it.”

Kafka is cynical because he shows that family love depends on money and service. When Gregor cannot earn, he becomes unwanted.

Cynicism about Communication: Gregor tries to speak when his mother calls. Kafka says, 

“Gregor was shocked when he heard his own voice.”

His words are no longer clear. His family cannot understand him. This shows how people ignore the voice of