Books About Beetles are Weird

“He found himself transformed right there in his bed into some sort of monstrous insect.”

Yes you read that right, an insect. 

Franz Kafka’s acclaimed novel The Metamorphosis begins with Samsa, the main character, turning into a beetle. Samsa is a traveling salesman and is the sole economic support for his family. Most of his contributions, though, go towards his fathers debts. Unfortunately, as a beetle, Samsa is unable to provide for his family and must watch in exile (beetles are not allowed in the living room) as they struggle financially. His family of course is unaware of his transformation and believe a giant beetle has randomly inhabited Samsa’s room.

Others believe there is a deep philosophical aspect to this novel, as Samsas conversion signifies growing in age and becoming sick and thus being an insect-like burden to his family. This is “proven” by his family members treating him like an insect and slowly losing any minimal sympathy for his beetle self. If this was the intended meaning, I didn’t get it.

Let’s get this straight. If I saw a beetle I would throw my shoe at it. If I saw my Grandma, I would not throw my shoe at her. This beetle to people analogy does not work.

It’s unfair to make philosophical arguments regarding the family when there is a literal bug inhabiting their house. How can the family be expected to treat a beetle with empathy?

You could say, “Lucas, the beetle represent the feelings of the aging and sick”

To that I would say if you don’t like being treated like a beetle, don’t look like one.

Final thoughts

Honestly, I had a laugh reading the book and even more fun writing this review, so I do recommend it. Though, if in a couple years, I hear you say you feel like the Beetle from The Metamorphosis I have the right to smack you.