Metamorphosis and Other Stories

Franz Kafka

1915

July, 2026

4/10

To me, the story is a piece on work-life and the consequences of dedicating one’s life to work. At least, that’s what I got from all the talk about work.

The other stories seem to focus on such quaint feelings and emotions that are often difficult to describe. Like Karl’s circumstantial attachment to the stoker in spite of his uncle’s appearance. Perhaps that was about a feeling of safety or comfort among certain people? In any case, there’s always an unexpected twist or turn which makes me understand why people describe Kafka’s work as surreal.

But there really is often some hint of class or work. In An Old Leaf, for example, it is rather explicit:

The salvation of our fatherland is left to us craftsmen and tradespeople, but we are not equal to such a task, nor indeed have we ever claimed to be capable of it.

After having referenced the emperor’s distant overview.

As a whole, I can’t say I liked this collection. In fact, I would say I’m not a fan of Kafka. His writing is intelligent and expressive, but there’s too much interjection and dragging thought. It was intellectual, but not so much enjoyable.