"Indeed it was more than obvious that their hopes of hearing the violin played well or entertainingly were disappointed, that they had had enough of the recital and were only suffering through this disturbance of their peace out of politeness. In particular, the manner in which they blew their clouds of cigar smoke to the ceiling through their mouths and noses displayed severe aggravation. And yet the sister played so beautifully. Her face was tilted to one side and she followed the notes with soulful and probing eyes. Gregor advanced a little, keeping his eyes low so that they might possibly meet hers. Was he a beast if music could move him so?
from The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka - 1915
"...so as a distraction he acquired the habit of crawling crisscross over the walls and ceiling. He especially liked hanging from the ceiling; it was entirely different from lying on the floor, he could breathe more freely and a mild tingling ran through his body, and in the near joyful oblivion in which Gregor found himself up there he could, to his own surprise, lose hold and plunge to the floor."
ReplyDeleteWeird, I just reread this story about a week ago!
For more strange Kafka stories, check out "A Hunger Artist" or "In the Penal Colony"
Yes... it's true. I only fast because... I can never find food I like : )
DeleteAnd yes... "it has been prophesied that after a certain number of years he will rise again"
(gotta love Christological references in lit, even if it's from a skeptic) : D
"Josephine the Singer, or The Mouse People" is an interesting yarn, too : D
-PS
PS