Literature has the capacity to delve into varied themes and portraitures as per the perspective and vision of the literary artists. Thus, literary works can differ from one another in content and presentation only to enhance the scope and appeal of the field of art in general. As such, one can take into reckoning the short story, The Metamorphosis, penned by the stalwart literary artist, Franz Kafka that delves into the thematic content of existentialism. Again, the famous poem I wandered lonely as a Cloud (Daffodils) penned by the famous Romantic poet, William Wordsworth can be taken to be the epitomic work of the Romantic era of English literature. A comparison between the two works would enable a better understanding of the difference between the two worldviews of existentialism and romanticism.
The story by Kafka deals with the physical transformation of the male protagonist into an insect all of a sudden. The entire transformation might at first come across to be an expression of absurdity to the readers, but in reality this works as a symbol of the ill-effects of the mundane struggles of life on the individual. The author shows how the protagonist loses his human form but still retains the psyche of a human. However, the attitude of the members of his family starts to change with time after this transformation of form. The stalwart author endeavors to portray the intricate details of inter-personal relationships in the face of struggle and impediments. (Kafka 1-5)
The protagonist is kept in isolation within his room as his family members are very careful in ensuring that he does not come in public view in any way. This portrays the surmounting effect of the society and its parameters on the lives of individuals. It also shows how personal relationships and bonds face the onus of the society and its parameters. As such, the protagonist is left inside his room while his members never even try to solve the issue so as to get him back to normal in some way or the other. This goes on to show the acceptance of the impositions of life on the individual and the lack of resolution to change the same.
It needs to be reckoned that the narrative portrays how the hopes and aspirations of the family members change with time, as they lose their hope on the protagonist. This sheer acceptance of the harsh reality of life shows the helplessness of the individual in the face of struggles of the world. As such, with time, the protagonist is left in oblivion inside his room while the family shifts the focus on other issues of life. The alienation of the human mind in the face of existential crisis is quite conspicuous in the story by Kafka. The parents start to focus on the life and marriage plans of their daughter in whom they find hope for a future.
The sheer success of the author lies in his subjective treatment of the protagonist’s mental state. The readers can very well have an insight into the psyche and emotions of the character which stand in stark juxtaposition to his physical appearance of an insect. This is simply a symbolic representation of the negative impact of the drudgeries and problems of life on the individual. The demise of the protagonist at the end of the story signifies the helplessness of an individual to face the odds of life, and points to the fact that life would have challenges all along that need to be faced no matter what. Thus, this story echoes the philosophical vision of existentialism and leaves the readers stirred to the very core.
In stark contrast, one can take into context the poem, Daffodils, written by William Wordsworth. The thematic content of this poem is totally in opposition to that of Kafka’s story. Here, one finds how the speaker comes across true beauty of the nature during his walk along the lonely hills and valleys. The poem explores the aesthetic appeal of the world around and delves into portraying a realm of beauty and the ideal. All the four stanzas are dedicated to the description and apotheosis of beauty of life. As such, there is mention about the thousands and thousands of daffodils that caught the eye of the speaker of this poem.
The speaker opines how his loneliness was overcome by the sheer delight of experiencing the beauty of nature. There is explication of the exquisite dancing of the flowers in the valley. The imagery used in this poem is conspicuous and leaves the readers flabbergasted at the immense beauty of nature pointing to the fact that there is so much to explore for an individual. This stands in stark contrast to the expression of challenges and drudgeries of life as found in the story by Franz Kafka. Much unlike the short story, the poem explores the happy moments of life and the unparalleled experience of living in the arms of nature.
The poet uses imagery, simile and other literary devices to appeal to the readers. The poet pens right at the inception of the poem, “I wandered lonely as a Cloud / That floats on high o’er vales and Hills” expressing the mood of this literary work. (Wordsworth 1) He talks of the happiness of his heart even years after experiencing the scene at the valley, and how it has added so much to his life. However, in contrast, Kafka talks about the dark side of human existence, while Wordsworth or romantic poets in general delved into the exploration of the ideal in this world. As such, there is vast difference in the two worldviews that get reflected in the respective literary works.
It would be correct to conclude by commenting that Kafka being one of the leading figures of existential worldview exudes his creative best in the story The Metamorphosis that shows the struggles and helplessness of humans in the society. On the other hand, Wordsworth’s work echoes the same theme as found in the creative pursuits of Keats, Shelly or other Romantic poets of the history of English literature. In spite of the difference, both the works have been immortalized in the pages of history owing to their sheer excellence. These texts are very relevant as they explore two totally different aspects of life and existence and work to enrich the readers with the perspectives and the lessons of life.
Works Cited
Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Leipzig: Kurt Wolff Verlag, 1915. Print.
Wordsworth, William. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” Poetry Foundation.
poetryfoundation.org, n.d. Web. 28 April 2016.
