Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Posthuman Term Paper

Specific events in the story reflect this posthuman and postmodernist change in form and thought of the individual, characterized by Samsa. The first incident of posthuman change and acceptance was when Samsa's family had just discovered his metamorphosis. While Samsa questioned his transformation at first, after some time, he felt comfortable with the change himself: "…for the first time that day, he began to feel alright with his body…and he soon was believing that all his sorrows would soon be finally at an end." This reflects posthuman change and postmodern thought, wherein Samsa actually becomes receptive to the idea that he has changed and his metamorphosis could be a possible relief from all the "sorrows" he is experiencing. Another example of postmodern thought is reflected this time by Samsa's doubts and confusion over his metamorphosis. His family's rejection of his metamorphosis hurt him and made him question the acceptability of his posthuman, transformed self as well: "…as a family there was a duty to swallow any revulsion for him and to be patient…" Symbolically, the revulsion his family felt demonstrates that in undergoing posthuman change and postmodern thought, institutions such as the family will no longer be significant and would in fact, be questioned as to their function to the changing individual.Lastly, another postmodernist thought challenged and defeated Samsa in the end. His decision to just die and reject his transformation indicated that as an individual, he is not yet ready for this posthuman, postmodern change in his life. He is highly dependent on the status quo, that, despite his sufferings, there is comfort in experiencing the normal than the fantastic or 'abnormal' in the eyes of society.

References

Clarke, B. (2005). "Mediating the Fly: posthuman metamorphosis in the 1950s." Configurations, Vol. 10, No. 1.

Johansen, I. (2005). "Monstrosities in a cold climate: Stacey Levine and the Postmodernist Fantastic." Anglo Files, No. 135.

Kafka, F. (2005). "The Metamorphosis." Translated by D. Wyllie. Project Gutenberg Website. Retrieved 23 July….....