THEME OF CLASS STRUGGLE IN FRANZ KAFKA’S NOVELLA, ‘THE METAMORPHOSIS’

Abstract

When subjected to be seen and understood through the lens of class-struggle, the seemingly funny novella, The Metamorphosis, can be enjoyed and understood more. The researcher anticipated and then pursued the thread of class-struggle running through it. The researcher carried out its textual analysis to unveil the complex mechanism of Capitalism and the deteriorating social effect of its class struggle. The central figure, Gregor, gets transformed into a big bug and readers assume that his main cause of affliction would be his loss of attractive human body and nature; but his affliction comes out primarily to be due to his getting deprived of the means for bringing about a change in his fate and, thereby crossing the boundaries of his class, to become eligible for the deserved toils of his labour. The author actually insinuates at the ages-long tragedy of the labour class, in its tiresome journey to cross its boundary, so that its members can be treated at par with their fellow human beings from the upper class. Allegorically, his wishes represent the innocent and just wishes of one unaware of the capitalist system, whereas his family’s approach represents the pragmatic approach of those familiar with the limitations and boundaries of their class in capitalist system. The practical experience of his family members and the will of the upper class prevail and Gregor, who challenges the status-quo, has been shown hurled away from the system in the shape of his death.