Have you ever read a book where the title left you completely perplexed? Authors pick the titles of their books with great care, taking into consideration both their target audience and, the content of their newly created masterpiece. The title usually reflects the general theme of the book and seeks to appeal to any probing eyes that may grace its humble cover. Metamorphosis, the translated title of one of Frank KafkaÃÂs books, is about a man who wakes up to find he has been transformed into an oversized beetle. Metamorphosis, literally translated from its mother language, Latin, means ÃÂa change in physical form, structure, or substance, especially by supernatural meansÃÂ (Merriam-Webster). Metamorphosis can also be used to describe a gradual mental change or transformation in which the result is a more mature mindset. In the mesmerizing tale spun by Kafka, metamorphosis takes on multiple implications, and can be linked back to those changes that occur in itsÃÂ characters, mainly, Gregor himself, His sister, Grete, and the entire family as a whole.
Gregor Robertson, Founder of Happy Planet
Gregor Books and Giraffe Heroes
Gregor Robertson, Founder of Happy PlanetThe title ÃÂThe MetamorphosisÃÂ encompasses the numerous changes that are spurred by GregorÃÂs initial transformation and act as a reminder to the reader to continually reassess the changes occurring in oneÃÂs own life.
The first and most dramatic transformation is the transformation of our antagonist, Gregor. The initial metamorphosis takes place while Gregor is sleeping and he awakes as a ÃÂmonstrous verminÃÂ (Kafka 259). Strangely, upon comprehension of this change in his physical state he seeks not to question the transformation, but turns his attention to the potential workday he will be missing, and proceeds to explain to the reader the pains of being a traveling salesman. He seems to be unaware of the seriousness of his situation as he becomes ÃÂeager to see...