Metamorphosis: An Explanation Of Absurdism

An Explanation of Absurdism Many people are fascinated by the literature era of Absurdism. It combined so many different traits that one can only describe as absurd. And what does Absurdism consist of? The absurd, of course. Absurdist texts are filled with themes, character, and a plot that are very absurd and almost uncomprehendable. One could ask “What is the meaning of this scene?” and the Absurdist would answer “It has no meaning because it is absurd.” This often intrigues people because most of the time, when one reads literature, there is always a second meaning to what is being written. Not only are people intrigued by this “no meaning” literature but by it just containing things that we as humans consider absurd. For example,
Not only do they follow those traits, but they also follow a common theme. Absurdism can be best explained by the theme, “People assume that life has meaning, and that there is a destiny for each person; while in reality, life has no purpose and is absurd.” Each Absurdist text has a main character that believes his life is meaningful and that his life and others have a path and that it is destiny to follow that path. In The Metamorphosis, Gregor believes that both he and his sister have a path to follow. Gregor believes in his freedom and that “once [he has] saved enough money to pay back [his] parents’ debts to him[,]…[he can] cut [him]self completely loose then” (Kafka 216). Gregor also believes that his sister has a destiny to follow music, and that “it was a secret plan of his that she, who could play movingly on the violin, should be sent next year to study at the Conservatorium” (Kafka 228). He believes that his goal in life is to be free from his parents and that his sister should be free to play music. Gregor thinks that life should be what he dreams of. Meursault from The Stranger also thinks that life should be what he wants from it. Meursault is finally able to understand that he wants to live and that he is not completely indifferent to life. He thinks back to Maman with her being “[s]o close to death, Maman must have felt free
In Harold’s life, Harold’s destiny, decisions, and goals are not in his control. The author, Karen Eiffel has control over Harold’s life which can be considered absurd as most people may believe that they have control over their life or God has control over their life. Most people would find it absurd if another human had control over their life and decisions. Those same people would also find it absurd if there was a town where no one tells lies. Hadleyburg where The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg takes place is considered “the most honest and upright town in all the region round about” (Twain 75). People from all around the world “acknowledge Hadleyburg [is] in reality an incorruptible town” (Twain 75). This short story is considered absurd because it would be nearly impossible to have a town that was incorruptible. Someone was bound to lie at some point in their live. This short story shows how Absurdism has unrealistic qualities. Another unrealistic quality that is shown in an Absurdist text is that “Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams” and “found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect” (Kafka 215). One normally does not turn into gigantic insect in his life, let alone does this happen to him with no rhyme nor reason. The Metamorphosis shows how unrealistic and absurd a piece can get. In this novella, it is