Poetika: Jurnal Ilmu Sastra
Vol 5, No 2 (2017): Issue 2

Shame and Alienation in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis

Karla Sharin Minar (Maranatha Christian University)
Anton Sutandio (Maranatha Christian University)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2017

Abstract

This article explores Sartre’s concept of shame and alienation in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis through the portrayal of the protagonist.  By focusing on the interpretation of the characteristics of Gregor Samsa through New Criticism approach, this article reveals that shame and alienation may occur when a person realizes that one is judged by others and sees oneself through the eyes of others.  This way of looking at one’s identity is problematic because it creates complexity within the existence of the self.  Through his fantastical transformation into an insect, Gregor cannot help but seeing himself from his family’s point of view.  Instead of fighting for himself, he is made to believe that he deserves to be alienated.  From the analysis of the protagonist, it is revealed that his being selfess and dutiful in a way trigger the shame and alienation that result in his submission to death.    Keywords: alienation, Kafka, Sartre, shame

Copyrights © 2017






Journal Info

Abbrev

poetika

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities

Description

POETIKA: Jurnal Ilmu Sastra publishes academic articles within the scope of literary criticism (limited to poem, prose, drama, oral tradition, and philology). The articles cover the form of a result on specific analysis; academic reports; closed reading; and the application of certain theories to ...