Written by Franz Kafka in 1912, Metamorphosis is a fantastical tale of an ordinary man whose life is completely changed when he mysteriously becomes an insect. From a man who had once provided for his entire family as a salesman, he turned into a dependent animal whose new appearance horrified his family. As with many traumas, Gregor Samsa’s first priority was to continue on with his daily routine of going to work, for the magnitude of his situation had not yet dawned on him. His identity -his human identity- was taken over by his self-view primarily as a financial provider for his family, rather than as a son and brother first and foremost. When that identity was forced away from him in such a humiliating way, when he was rendered helpless and completely dependent on others for survival, despite the fact that it was his own family he depended on, they did not rise to the occasion, illustrating the human selfishness that lies within, a characteristic of our nature that we are capable of, even if other traits – love, compassion, generosity, for instance – cloud it.

Metamorphosis explores the differences between man and beast, with a tragic conclusion for a human but a rudimentary end for an animal. It asks of us to ponder the distinction that makes us human, besides our genetic composition. Our capacity for care, love or our higher cognitive functions. What made Gregor Samsa a human transformed into a beast rather than truly an animal? Was he able to retained his human mind and his human soul?  This following quote especially moved me, not only as a fellow lover of music, but also portrayed a significant moment of explicit thought regarding his state of being in conflict with his true human identity: “Was he an animal, that music could move him so? He felt as if the way to the unknown nourishment he longed for was coming to light.” 

Kafka’s Metamorphosis is one of the main classics of the 20th century, and its tale and lessons will stand the test of time. Kafka is one of my favorite authors of all time and I would highly recommend this book.