Literary Criticism Analysis: The Metamorphosis (Essay Sample)

Name
Name of Professor
Literature
Date
Literary Criticism Analysis
In the Metamorphosis, there are quite a number of literary criticism essays written by various authors in this essay, I will locate two criticism essays and represent their different approach to criticism. The overviews are by John Hibberd and Sheldon Goldfarb.
Sheldon Goldfarb employs formalist criticism in his critical essay. He focuses on the story of "The Metamorphosis" and analyzes its entire elements, step-by-step. According to Goldfarb, the two most memorable images in "The Metamorphosis" is the first image of Gregor Samsa being transformed into an insect, lying on his back unable to get up; and the second picture is Gregor as an insect, stuck in the bedroom doorway, injured and unable to move until his father shoves him into the bedroom. Goldfarb translates this helplessness as the depiction of helplessness and disgusting nature of the human race; revolting pieces of vermin that are unable to do anything. However, he states that the only problem with this interpretation is that it is only Gregor Samsa who turns into a revolting piece of vermin, no one else. Goldfarb also employs formalist criticism to show how human beings do not love responsibilities. Gregor as a human being was stuck in a job he completely disliked, and had the role of supporting his family to whom he does not even feel close. But as a revolting bug, Gregor had much more fun. And his life seems better than when he was as a human being. He becomes free of his job and family responsibilities. He can sit and play instead of rushing off to work, and now his family takes care of him, not the other way round.
John Hibberd uses mainly biographical criticism in his critical essay. He analyzes "The Metamorphosis" by using knowledge of the author's life to gain insight. John states that the basis of the short story can be found in the author's tense relation with his father, and his sense of isolation, guilt, and unjust rejection. Hibberd adds that the role of Gregor's sister can be related to the author's feeling of betrayal by his sister Ottla, his closest family member. Hibberd states that since Kafka, the author, was despairing of his ability to write, he noted that he was only good to be swept up with the household rubbish, and that is the same fate of Gregor.
John Hibberd also employs psychological criticism in his critical essay. He states h