Metamorphosis: An Ecocritical Reading of Pessimism in Human Nature and Society

An ecocritical analysis of Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis is presented in this study, with an emphasis on the portrayal of human nature and social behaviour within the context of the environment. The study centres around the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, whose transformation into an insect symbolises humanity's growing disconnection from the natural world. It explores how Kafka portrays pessimism in human nature and society, particularly in the aftermath of World War I and the context of upper-class structures. Through detailed literary analysis and close reading, the paper investigates the intersection of societal pressures, personal identity, and ecological awareness in Kafka's novel. The conclusion is that Kafka's narrative depicts contemporary challenges related to pessimistic and capitalist outlook in human behaviours and society. It further concludes that societal and economic structures determine humans within a society.