Narrative Techniques Used In Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka

“No word matters. But man forgets reality and remembers words.” - Roger Zelazny. When someone reads a book, what is it that keeps them captivated? The answer is most likely the narrative technique the author used. Narrative technique consists of several specific methods an author of a narrative uses to convey his or her key points. These methods used range from the perspective the author uses to the narration , speech and tense of their work. Kafka uses several literary techniques and literary devices to deliver his message in “Metamorphosis”. The vantage point of which Franz Kafka writes this novel is narrated in two parts: first-person narration, and a third-person limited narration. The story is told by an omniscient narrator , meaning

Kafka gives the illusion that the narrator was cultivated with the protagonist’s human consciousness inside his insect body. The reader starts to discover several aspects of Gregor’s body as he continues to the discover himself. For example, when he is hungry, the reader would not know what he wants to eat until he discovers his attraction to rotten foods.When he itches, the reader doesn 't know until Gregor looks to see what is making him itch.“Did he really want the warm room, so cozily appointed with heirlooms, transformed into a lair, where he might, of course, be able to creep, unimpeded, in any direction, though forgetting his human past swiftly and totally?(157)”Although his transformation changes his appearance, his human emotions and mindset are still in tact; this creates a discord between his mind and body. But as he grows more into his insect body, his feelings and thoughts start to change in accordance to his physical needs.The author uses several metaphors and symbols to represent his themes an idea. The idea of Gregor growing into his insect body ties into the definition of metamorphosis: the transformation to an actual insect and the transformation of changing emotionally. Kafka was conscious of his decisions made throughout the book. Like why he used a beetle instead of any other insect. Humans tend to have an aversion to insects and in this case,the protagonist is shunned by his family and the rest of humankind.By illustrating Gregor in this way, the author enhances his theme of human isolation