... world. The modern rationalist, contrary to the earlier realist, sought understanding not by returning to nature, but by explaining it through the mathematics of physical, chemical, and biological law. Kafka, in The Metamorphosis, chooses to focus on an interesting side-effect of a world explained by science. Gregor serves as a vehicle to show the isolated alienation caused by the longing for real human ... connection in a world related through cold numbers. Once again, as did Voltaire and Tolstoy, Kafka reaffirms that meaning in life can only be found through deep, personal interaction ...

• Word Count: 953
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate