Is Change Cliche?

"In The Metamorphosis, Kafka warns that capitalism harbors inevitable changes that will result ultimately in loneliness and horror. He does so with a prophecy that women will replace men in the 20th century workforce, to their detriment... He runs for his life, scrounging whatever he can find to eat, like an insect. Exhausted from this rat race, he oversleeps and awakens to find himself 'changed into a monstrous vermin' that scurries to and fro. He is transformed, through workaholism, to embody the popular notion that a salesman is a scurrying bug." Read more of this review, by Patty Inglish.

So, why do you think the main character changes in The Metamorphosis? What did you think of Kafka's story (it's a popular novella, often studied in classrooms, but do you think it's worth reading)?

I remember when I first read The Metamorphosis. We read "The Hunger Artist"--one of Kafka's popularly anthologized short stories--at the same time. We discussed the possibilities of really what Gregor had become, but also about some of the symbolism in Kafka's work, how his change alienated him from his family, and made him undesireable as a person (perhaps not even worthy of living).

Whether or not books are an integral part of your life, it's still worth thinking about how they have changed you in the past (and how they could inspire you, improve your life, or entertain you--helping you to forget about the stresses in your life). After all, change is usually good for the soul (at least, isn't that the old cliche?)...