Interpreting Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” through the Prism of Marxist Theory

Monika

doi:10.53724/inspiration/v7n1.05

Authors

Monika Research Scholar, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur (JNVU), (India).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53724/inspiration/v7n1.05

Keywords:

Bourgeoisie, Capitalism, Proletariat, Base and Superstructure, Imperialism, Isolation, Indebtedness, Absurdity, Alienation, Existential anxiety, Domination, Abandonment, Overt and Covert content, Reification, Kafkaesque

Abstract

The motive of this paper is to demonstrate how capitalism affects the life and career of an individual in this materialistic world. It results in the worker’s complete detachment and emotional alienation towards his /her work. Materialism plays a vital role in today’s modern era, so people try to explore more and more ways to earn money. The consequence of this is, that human beings are turning into working commodities (mere tools).In this light, Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” shows the alienation and existential anxiety of the proletariat in the entire capitalist system. It pays attention to the conflict between dominant and oppressed sections of society.

References

Marxism: Wikipedia: Last seen 10th Nov. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marxism

Marx, Karl: Engels, Friedrich: Communist Manifesto, 1848.

Ibid.

Peter, Barry: Beginning Theory, An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory, Third Edition, (Page number 151)

Marxism: Wikipedia: Last seen 10th Nov. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marxism

Oxford English Dictionary.

Peter, Barry. Beginning Theory, An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory, Third Edition

Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis, Translated and Edited by Stanley Corngold, Bantam Classic, New York 1972.

Ibid.

Marx, Karl. Engels, Friedrich, Communist Manifesto 1848.

Ibid.

Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis, Translated and Edited by Stanley Corngold, Bantam Classic, New York 1972

Ibid.

R.J. Rummel: Understanding Conflict And War: Vol. 3: Conflict In Perspective Chapter 5 Marxism, Class Conflict, And The Conflict Helix, Last seen 28/09/2021, https://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/CIP.CHAP5.HTM