Tradycyjne i współczesne odczytania "Przemiany" Franza Kafki

Traditional and contemporary readings of Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” This paper will attempt to examine contemporary readings of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, analysing its cultural reception by juxtaposing traditional interpretations with contemporary ones. Philosophical interpretations of Gregor Samsa’s story are discussed, including the works of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, as well as Jacques Derrida. The canon of interpretations within postcolonial studies, disability studies and contrasting Kafka’s work with the thought of Michel Foucalt were analysed. The figure of Gregor Samsa is also discussed in the context of queer studies, Giorgio Agamben’s concept of “homo sacer” and in terms of alienation and self-identification. In addition, the validity of the concept of “Kafkaesque absurdity” is considered. Finally, the work presents interpretations of Transformation present in new media such as Tiktok or Youtube and within the discourse of meme culture. Interpretive openness makes Kafka’s work transcend the boundaries of time, language and space and is intermedial in nature. By breaking with traditional social norms, Kafka’s narrative becomes subversive and transgressive against power structures. Metamorphosis opens up new interpretive possibilities and creates its own symbolism, shattering conventional ways of thinking. The work is characterized by extreme subjectivity and openness to a variety of interpretations. The analysis of the language, the identity of the characters and the creator allows for an interdisciplinary interpretation of the work. Examined from this angle, Metamorphosis is a tool for exposing systemic oppression and provides a space for deep exploration and reflection on human existence. The disorientation and alienation experienced by Gregor Samsa allows reflection on the isolation and depersonalization of the living space. In this context, the concept of minor literature relates to the works of Kafka. Gregor can also be interpreted as an archetype of the Other (Derrida) or the fulfilment of the topos of “homo sacer” (Agamben), which can serve as an interpretive key to the study of minority perspectives in Kafka’s narrative. Therefore, Kafka’s work is being studied by researchers from various academic fields, such as literary studies, psychology, sociology of literature, cultural studies, postcolonial studies, gender studies or queer studies.