The Metamorphosis

Classics for Your Collection: goo.gl/U80LCr --------- The Metamorphosis is a novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It has been called one of the seminal works of fiction of the 20th century and is studied in colleges and universities across the Western world. The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed (metamorphosed) into a large, monstrous insect-like creature. The cause of Gregor's transformation is never revealed, and Kafka himself never gave an explanation. The rest of Kafka's novella deals with Gregor's attempts to adjust to his new condition as he deals with being burdensome to his parents and sister, who are repelled by the horrible, verminous creature Gregor has become. Part I: One day, Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect (the most common translation of the German description ungeheures Ungeziefer, literally "monstrous vermin"). He reflects on how dreary life as a traveling salesman is. As he looks at the wall clock, he notices that he has overslept and missed his train for work. He ponders the consequences of this delay. Gregor becomes annoyed at how his boss never accepts excuses or explanations from any of his employees no matter how hard-working they are, displaying an apparent lack of trusting abilities. Gregor's mother knocks on the door, and he answers her. She is concerned for Gregor because he is late for work... Part II: Gregor awakens and sees that someone has put milk and bread in his room. Initially excited, he quickly discovers that he has no taste for milk, once one of his favorites. He settles himself under a couch. The next morning, his sister comes in, sees that he has not touched the milk, and replaces it with rotting food scraps, which Gregor happily eats. This begins a routine in which his sister feeds him and cleans up while he hides under the couch, afraid that his appearance will frighten her... Part III: One evening, the cleaning lady leaves Gregor's door open while three boarders, whom the family has taken on for additional income, lounge about the living room. Grete has been asked to play the violin for them, and Gregor - who usually takes care to avoid crossing paths with anyone in the flat - creeps out of his bedroom to listen in the midst of his depression and resultant detachment... Scroll Up and Get Your Copy! Other Books for You: Lady Susan by Jane Austen https: //www.createspace.com/6398116 The Awakening by Kate Chopin https: //www.createspace.com/6396330 The Great God Pan by Arthur Machen https: //www.createspace.com/6396464 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen https: //www.createspace.com/6425513 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen https: //www.createspace.com/6428190 Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen https: //www.createspace.com/6428537 Persuasion by Jane Austen https: //www.createspace.com/6427638 Love and Friendship by Jane Austen https: //www.createspace.com/6439962