The Metamorphosis: Literary Touchstone (Paperback)

by Franz Kafka (Author) "A literary classic is a work of the highest excellence that has something important to say about life and/or the human condition and says it..." (more)
Key Phrases: glossary note, neighboring room, Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Beginning with one of the most shocking first sentences in all of literature, Franz Kafka details the horrific tale of an absurd life. Virtually imprisoned in his room, Gregor Samsa discovers that every aspect of his existence has amounted to nothing. Even the struggling, dysfunctional family he has sacrificed to support is thriving without his financial assistance. Slowly stripped of every bit of his humanity, Gregor realizes that no man’s life, especially his, actually matters.

First published in 1915, Kafka’s surreal novel about living in an indifferent universe has long been considered a seminal work of Existentialist literature.

All of the humor, zest, and richness of language—so often lost in other editions —resonate in this new and exciting Prestwick House Literary Touchstone translation by M. A. Roberts.

The Metamorphosis includes a glossary and reader’s notes to help the modern reader more fully appreciate Kafka’s complex approach to the human condition.

From the Publisher
This book is perfect for AP classes and is often selected for inclusion on the AP exam. The notes, reading pointers, and vocabulary in this addition will also help students at a lower reading level get the most out of these classics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Prestwick House Inc.; Unabridged edition (March 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580495818
• ISBN-13: 978-1580495813
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #82,939 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Kafka's The Metamorphosis: A Must Read, January 8, 2009

By	Renee L Paolino (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

This is a short, disturbing story that haunts the reader long after the book is closed. What is more horrifying, the opening of the story or its rather baffling conclusion? It depends on when you read it. At 13, when I first came across this short story in a collection of Victorian horror stories, I thought the opening was nothing short of brilliant. As the story progressed, I became more and more disenchanted until I reached what I thought was an unsatisfactory and ridiculous conclusion.

Thirty-five years later for my second go-around, I understand what makes this truly a horror story. I still stick with my teenaged impression of the story's opening pages: positively brilliant, ingenious! Now, however, I understand the ending, and it is far more disturbing. Without giving away the ending, Kafka puts his finger on how we treat people of certain populations (think senior citizens, for example) in modern society.

Read The Metamorphosis because by reading a classic such as this, you are expanding your mind, and you will encourage thinking in your day-to-day life -- this is a worthy endeavor on its own. You will surprise yourself by discovering that this classic, however disturbing, is eminently readable. You'll probably find this true of many classics.
The Metamorphosis