EXISTENTIALISM THEMES IN KAFKA'S NOVEL “METAMORPHOSIS”

Abstract

Kafka's writing is characterized by its unique exploration of absurdism, alienation, and existentialism. His narrative style had a profound impact on modern literature, paving the way for later writers such as Albert Camus, Samuel Beckett, and Gabriel García Márquez. Kafka's influence extends beyond literature into art, philosophy, and psychology, making him an important figure of the 20th century. He masterfully expresses the particular challenges that everyone experiences—helplessness, anxiety, suffering, and fear. Kafka was one of the greatest authors to convey these emotions through his exploration of existence. He was bureaucrat, artist, lawyer and ambitious young man, but still, he struggles to find his identity. Franz Kafka was a Jewish Austrian Czech from Prague who wrote in German. Kafka's works often explore identity-based struggles. For example, Metamorphosis depicts the challenges faced by Gregor Samsa when he wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant, monstrous insect. This paper aims to explore existential themes in this novel.