Reading Franz Kafka Through the Context of Covid-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes in our lives, and one of the most significant measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus is the quarantine period or the lockdown. The implementation of lockdown measures has proven successful in several countries, effectively flattening the curve and preventing overwhelming pressures on healthcare systems. However, the impact of lockdown measures goes beyond the containment of the virus. The economic consequences of prolonged lockdowns have been profound, with many businesses forced to close indefinitely and millions of individuals losing their jobs. Small businesses, in particular, have borne the brunt of the economic fallout, struggling to survive under the weight of limited or no income. The sudden and prolonged isolation has taken a toll on mental health, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Along with these, we can also see the positive implications of the quarantine phase or the lockdown which resulted in the exploration of creativity and innovative ideas among the individuals. Although the topic is generic, this paper aims at studying the negative as well as the positive effects of Covid-19 through Franz Kafka's famous novel "The Metamorphosis", where a man is transformed into a "monstrous vermin" and his short story "A Hunger Artist", where an artist is confined to a cage.