Unit 2 Lesson 4: Kafka’s Metamorphosis: Existentialism & Kafka’s Work Louisiana Student Standards:  RL 9-10.1-6.  W. 9-10.6-9.  L. 9-10.4-6

Key Terms in This Presentation Novella Biology Absurdity, anxiety Prague Jewish (Judaism) Hypochondria Existentialism Dehumanization The Gestapo

What is Metamorphosis? Metamorphosis is a novella written in 1912 by Franz Kafka. It uses magical realist techniques long before the style was popular. It is a early Modernist/experimental work What is a “novella”? Longer, more complex than short stories Focuses on a limited number of characters and events

Who is Franz Kafka? Born in Prague in 1883 The oldest of 9 children. Jewish parents Father was a successful merchant but overbearing.

Sad Kafka… Described as having been sensitive and suffering from feelings of isolation. Jewish, but felt unconnected to his religion Minority in his country Unsuccessful in personal relationships Physically weak, attempts to hide it

Kafkaesque Anything having to do with alienation, absurdity, anxiety or isolation (Themes that came to characterize Kafka’s life and works)

Being Jewish in Prague during 1880-1920 Prague called “The City of Three Peoples”. Ethnic Czechs (spoke Czech) 6% German speakers 5% Jews, some spoke German or both Kafka was a minority because he was a German speaking Jew. He also didn’t readily accept the teachings of Judaism.

Anti-Semitism Surrounded Prague When he was 16, a Christian girl was found murdered in Prague. Many said that her throat was cut by Jews, then they used the blood to make food during Passover. Created riots! As a result, Jews were harassed, shops were destroyed

Kafka’s father! Was hard on Kafka. Kafka developed lifelong guilt, anxiety and lacked self confidence. Felt he could never live up to his father’s standards. Lived with his parents after graduating from college Turned anger and anxiety inward by isolating himself from family

Difficulty writing Kafka found it difficult to write because: Family tensions (Father told him he was never good enough) Parent’s getting older/ill Self doubts (felt ugly, stupid, etc) Would write, then destroy work, then write again

Last Years The last years of Kafka’s life was marked by periods of intense writing activity, family tensions, unsuccessful love relationships, and worsening health. Was a hypochondriac, but developed Tuberculosis when he was 35. Died in a rest home at the age of 41.

Kafka-the Holocaust Kafka was continuously tormented by the cruelness of the world. He died before Hitler came into power, but his family and friends did not escape the Holocaust.

Kafka-the Holocaust Since he was Jewish, much of his work was burned by the Gestapo. Many of his friends died in concentration camps. Three of his sisters died in concentration camps.

Kafka today His work is read throughout the world. Best known for describing obscure situations with simple, mathematical precision. Never explained what he meant with ideas and concepts, thus his work is continuously discussed.

DISCUSSION His work is read throughout the world. Best known for describing obscure situations with simple, mathematical precision. Never explained what he meant with ideas and concepts, thus his work is continuously discussed.

What is a metamorphosis? “Metamorphosis” definition: a transformation that is ongoing in stages What stages are present in the novella? marked by phases of life: external changes and internal changes (biology term) External? Internal? Changes that are unique to a species How are Gregor’s changes unique to the “human species”?

Why are we reading The Metamorphosis? This is the time of year we do our best to be kind to one another…most importantly, our families. As a family satire this book teaches valuable lessons about the dangers of capitalism’s influence on the family (money, greed, wanting to appear successful). This book is a kind of “existential experiment.” Does Gregor turn into what he was all along, or does his transformation help him die a more self-aware human being? Gregor is a young man in the story…barely out of his teen years. He is an allegory for the doubt and anxiety that comes with youth, and the challenges of youth.

Existentialism: definition Remember the “Hero’s Journey”? Well, take all those ideas about the Grail, the Quest, and all the archetypes: Hero, Savior, Guide, Guardian Trials, Underworld, Threshold Normal World vs Netherworld The Return . . .and turn it INWARD. Life’s ultimate quest is, in a sense, to find YOURSELF. These symbols become psychological.

Existentialism: definition A philosophy of thought that began in Christian philosophy in the late 1800’s and later, in the 1960s, became popular world-wide as part of the “cultural revolution” of the 60s. Emphasizes both the uniqueness of each individual’s experience and his/her isolation in an indifferent universe. Because the events in human existence can not be explained, one has freedom of choice and complete responsibility for his/her actions.

Existentialism Basic Explanation Back in time, a person’s purpose in life was defined by God or history. For example, if your grandfather was a shoemaker, and your father was a shoemaker, odds are, it was your purpose to be a shoemaker. Everyone had a purpose and God was the driving force.

Existentialism & the “Existential Crisis” After the World Wars, it was a reaction to the dehumanization of many aspects of society (industrialization, rise of bureaucracy). Ex: Students’ value is determined by standarded tests. Your are put into groups, such as “Gifted,” “Honors,” or “Regular.” Ex: We often find ourselves in trouble or accused by large, inhuman forces we do not understand (taxes, corporations, prisons, electoral college, college entrance exams)

HOW WE STUDY THIS WORK How does the book’s magical realist STYLE help the author reveal the existential truth behind Gregor Samsa? Use “Arachne” and “A Very Old Man…” to draw comparison that explain magical realist style. THEMES: What truths are revealed by the novel? Focus on themes of existentialism, family relationships, and modern alienation

UNIT PROJECT: Kafka Project Review annotations on style and themes in the novella. Summary of text/Magical Realism/Truth & Themes unique to this kind of writing. Powerpoint, Prezi, or any other PLAN: Days 1-2 Summaries comparing texts (50 pts) Days 3-4 Magical Realist Style (cf. “Arachne,” “A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings: A Tale for Children” (Draft grade: 50 pts) Days 5-6 Human Truths: How does Kafka draw on Ovid, and How does Marquez draw on Kafka? (Draft grade: 50 pts) Days 7-8 Editing Days 9-10 Works Cited/Peer Review (Final Grade: 100 pts)