Alienation, Self-Dissociation and Identity in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis: A Comparative Critical Study

This study examines the state of alienation, self-dissociation and the quest for self and identity affirmation in the character of 'the transformed individual' as depicted in the novels Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Through a comparative critical analysis, the researcher attempts to show the importance of the authentic self and human identity in the character of 'the transformed individual' in the two novels for the reader. The study argues that their loss poses a great threat to society, resulting in a state of alienation, loneliness and psychological disturbance in 'the transformed individual'. The researcher also discusses in this study the critical vision in forming identity and self and searching for them in the two novels.