This essay will develop and support a thesis on Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis. A critical approach discussing Kafkas sense of alienation and exile should discuss the authors personal sense of isolation. You might want to explore Kafkas biography to understanding his preoccupation with alienation. You must use appropriate secondary sources with in-text parenthetical references according to MLA 8 guidelines plus a works cited page. (4-5 pages) Arial 14 point type, double-space, 1 margins all around.
Suggested Essay Topics:
1. How does this novel illustrate one of the major themes of mans isolation from his fellow man and the world? How does Gregors silence contribute to his powerlessness and sense of isolation?
2. Explain Kafkas idea of the enslavement of modern man to the forces of materialism as shown in this novel. How does turning Gregor into a bug give us a different perspective and show us mans preoccupation with financial security and other materialistic pursuits.
3. Why do you think Kafka chooses a bug, the lowest form of life, into which Gregor turns? How do the other members of his family change after he becomes a bug? Why?
4. How does this novel show mans tendency towards unrealistic dreams? Why is Gregors existence as a human being just as low as a bugs? Why does Kafka imply that his sister, Grete, will eventually turn into a bug? What is Kafka trying to tell us about life?
