The Metamorphosis

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Existentialism is a philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will. Existentialism is used to emphasize individual existence along with freedom and choice. Soren Kierkegaard is the “father of existentialism.” Soren believed that individual choices determines essence. Humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make logical choices in a unreasonable universe. The Metamorphosis uses existentialism to expound the main point of the novella.
Existentialism was started by the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard from 1813-1855. According to Wikipedia ,” As it developed in the 20th century, it was an atheistic philosophy, …show more content…

A theme of existentialism is existence precedes essence. This theme shows that we have no predetermined nature or essence that controls what we are, what we do, or what is valuable for us. In The Metamorphosis Gregor turning into a bug unknowingly represents this theme. According to section one, Gregor struggles to get out of bed because of his transformation. Another theme used in the novella is alienation. Gregor Samsa feels this throughout the story as he realizes he isn’t able to do human-like activities. Relating to alienation, The Metamorphosis conveys the theme encounter with nothingness and death. Gregor encounters nothingness as he get used to his transformation. According to Kohzida, “Death hangs over all of us”; this statement shows that as Gregor continued in his transformation “death was hanging” over …show more content…

Even though Gregor struggled getting used to his transformation, there was positivity correlated with his change. Freedom is the acceptance of responsibilty for choice and a commitment to ones choice. Gregor experienced the theme freedom as he accepted his metamorphosis. According to Existentialism 101, existentialism claims that mankind has free will. For Gregor Samsa, responsbility was the dark side of his freedom he gained. As Gregor realized he was completely responsible for his choices, he became affected by anxiety. As said by Ivan Soll, Professor of Philosophy, “ The existentialsists criticize this flight from freedom and responsibilty into self-deception.” This continues into ultimate free will. As stated in the theme, Gregors ultimate choice was death. Absurdity is the theme used when Gregor realizes that death is his final choice. Ivan Soll continues by stating that even an existentialist would make the “ultimate sacrifice” if it would lead to the existence and freedom of many

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