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What Is The Symbolism In The Metamorphosis

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Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis contains many symbols and messages which are portrayed throughout the book. One prominent symbol that is revealed throughout the book is an apple. The apple is seen as a symbol of destruction and growth in The Metamorphosis and is the factor leading to many events. The apple is also tied back to the background of the book, Franz Kafka’s life. The apple is the cause of death but is also the factor leading to the growth of the characters throughout the book, and helping them find their place in the world. Franz Kafka was born on July 3rd, 1883 in Prague, which is now known as the Czech Republic. Kafka experienced many tragic events as a child. He was part of a middle class Jewish family. As a child he faced abuse from his father and suffered from clinical depression and social anxiety throughout his life. There are many circumstances in the book that tie to Franz Kafka’s life. Kafka was abused by his father as a child just as Gregor is abused by his father. “From the fruit bowl on the sideboard his father had filled his pockets, and now, without for the moment taking accurate aim, was throwing apple after apple” (Kafka 49). Gregor’s father is throwing apples at him just as Kafka was also abused by his father who would hurt him. The apple here is seen a weapon that later on leads to Gregor’s …show more content…

The apple is seen as a double edged sword that symbolizes two things. The apple symbolizes destruction and growth. The apple is the cause of many events in Gregor’s life which eventually all lead to his total annihilation. Though the apple is also as symbol of destruction it is also seen as a symbol of growth. Grete and her parents are able to move on with their lives after the apple incident. Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis reveals the symbol of the apple in two lights, destruction and growth, and finding a person’s place in the

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