Samsa and samsara: Suffering, death, and rebirth in The 'Metamorphosis' (F. Kafka)

Authors
Ryan, MP
Citation
Mp. Ryan, Samsa and samsara: Suffering, death, and rebirth in The 'Metamorphosis' (F. Kafka), GER QUART, 72(2), 1999, pp. 133-152
Citations number
31
Categorie Soggetti
Language & Linguistics
Journal title
GERMAN QUARTERLY
ISSN journal
00168831 → ACNP
Volume
72
Issue
2
Year of publication
1999
Pages
133 - 152
Database
ISI
SICI code
0016-8831(199921)72:2<133:SASSDA>2.0.ZU;2-H
Abstract
This article considers influences of eastern philosophy on Franz Kafka. It explores possible mediators of eastern philosophy for Kafka, and suggests t hat the family name "Samsa" in The Metamorphosis was inspired by the Sanskr it term Samsora. This term, denoting death, suffering, and rebirth, provide s the basis for a new interpretation of The Metamorphosis.