Abstract: The Metamorphosis is a representative work of Franz Kafka，with alienation as one of its themes. The novel tells allegorically a story of a man who transformed into a monstrous vermin suddenly. Meanwhile, Kafka created the unique artistic combination of absurdism and realism to show that the hero was inevitably alienated under such great pressure of family and society. By exploring the alienated relationships shown between the parents and the son, the brother and the younger sister, and between the hero and his company, this thesis aims to analyze the underlying causes of the phenomenon from the society and family perspectives. Finally it points out that the effective ways to counter against alienation lie in the establishment of the aesthetic living style, healthy family relationship and a harmonious society.
Keyword: Alienation; The Metamorphosis; Pressure; Counter against

摘要:《变形记》是奥地利作家弗兰兹•卡夫卡的代表作品之一，是一部以异化为主题的短篇小说。小说以人变成甲虫的寓言形式，用荒诞与现实相结合的独特艺术手法，巧妙地向读者展现了主人公在家庭和社会压力下被迫异化的现实。本文通过探寻文本中体现的父子、兄妹及主人公与公司之间的异化关系，从而分析这些异化现象背后的家庭根源及社会根源。最后指出抵制异化的有效办法在于审美化生活方式、健康的家庭关系及和谐社会的建立。
关键词：异化；《变形记》；压力；抗异化

The Metamorphosis is the most remarkable representative work of Franz Kafka and the supreme example in Kafka’s alienation world. The novel is about a salesman, Gregor Samsa. He transformed into a giant insect suddenly at the very beginning of the story without any explanations. His transformation shocked and scared his family and his boss. Therefore, his family locked him in the room and never allowed him to go out. Although Gregor spared no efforts to work and was absolutely obedient to his boss, he inevitably lost his job because of his unfortunate transformation. Moreover, his boss did not give him any financial help when he needed it most. Certainly, he could no longer support his family financially. It was useless for him to worry about the future life of his family. He gradually became a disappointment to his family and they chose to abandon him for fear that he would bring the incessant troubles to them. Gregor felt that his family was filled with disgust at himself and wished he would go away immediately. He realized that his change means the disaster to his family. Finally Gregor gave up himself hopelessly. In a way, The Metamorphosis unifies the techniques of absurdism and realism. This combination reveals that Gregor lost self-worth and personality when he lived on his despair of family and work (Lu, 2009:137). The sense of despair caused his alienation and death.