The Meaning of Existence in Kafka's Die Verwandlung

• Main Authors: Nai-Ching Chien, 簡乃菁
• Other Authors: Bing-Yang Chang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/50580220039684787527

碩士 === 國立臺北教育大學 === 語文與創作學系碩士班 === 97 === In this thesis, I will research the relation about father and son, the situation and liberty, the meaning of metamorphosis and existential space in Kafka’s Die Verwandlung. Chapter2 aims to discuss “ nom/non du pere” in Die Verwandlung, Generally, when commentators are studying Kafka’s novels, they think that the protagonist in Kafka’s novels are the embodiment of Kafka himself. In Kafka’s Die Verwandlung , not only the morals problem between the father and the son has been passed on, but also the melancholy and suffering in patriarchal society were revealed.Therefore, in this chapter, I will research into the conflict and contradiction of the paternity. Also, in this novel, the father’s behavior of “He who loves well chastises well.” is quite suspicious, one of the reasons is that the father thought his son belonged to him. And then, this thesis quoted Lacan’s theory to touch upon that someone who has accepted the concept of patriarchal society, he will be influenced for his whole life. That also reveals that human being has no choice sometimes in this society. Besides discuss the paternity, this essay also discussed the question of feminine by Lacan’s theory. Chapter3 is in titled, “Situation and Liberty”. In Kafka’s Die Verwandlung, the leading character transformed into a gigantic insect. After that, he and his family’s life suddenly fell into a difficult position. Sartre thought that the form of any situation is due to the result of free will. According to the statement of Sartre, the reason why the character of the novel transformed into a gigantic insect was related to his consciousness and decision. The research purpose of this essay is to understand the characters in Die Verwandlung, why the situation and free will they faced led the leading character moving towards death eventually. Kafka’s attitudes about work and family were well explained in this novel. Analyzing the situation and liberty in Die Verwandlung may help people to understand Kafka’s attitude and spirit in his life. In chapter4, I deal with the Meaning of Metamorphosis. Generally, when commentators are studying Kafka’s Die Verwandlung, they mostly focus on the relation between the roles and the meaning of the novel. But this chapter is focusing on the meaning of metamorphosis of Die Verwandlung. First, this thesis compares the difference of metamorphosis between the Eastern and the Western literary works. Then it acquires some speciality and uniqueness of the Die Verwandlung. In addition, this thesis also discusses the tradition, history and custom of Sion to find out why had the novel been arranged the role to be metamorphic. I used some letters and novels written by Kafka to explain my contention. What does Kafka seek for in this novel? Liberty? A way out? Or the others? After passing through the discussion and research, I believe it should be useful for you to understand Die Verwandlung. In chapter5, Existential Space, the leading character Gregor Samsa transformed into a gigantic insect. The existential space he faced was easy to perceive the contrast between who transformed into a gigantic insect before and after. J.N. Entrikin and Martin Buber both ever expressed their thoughts about the existential space. Sartre’s viewpoint in “subject” is conducive to research the existential space in novel too. To discuss the existential space in Kafka’s Die Verwandlung, might help people to understand the existential space not only can be found in the true life but also exist in subject’s fictional and fantastic thinking. Analyzing existential space may help people to understand Kafka’s attitude and practice spirit to his life.