The sister was my favorite character, personally. I found Gregor's death quite sad, and her rejection of him just before that the most memorable part of the book.
@IAmApplePie0008 жыл бұрын
Spending time editing cockroach thumbnails over doing PhD work. Got to say, I approve!
@katarzynawiszniewska83843 жыл бұрын
going through a depressive episode myself, I found the story relatable from the very first moments. The panic of finding oneself in a an indisposition that is shameful to admit or makes you feel like people won't understand it (like mental health) combined with the habit of putting one's well being as no priority at all explains nicely why Gregor would first worry about his work. I think I would too. It was a very heartbreaking read. The way he was struggling to stay himself but was loosing himself more and more just trying to cope. From the first pages I was really angry at his family for making so much depend on him. And I am quite sure that Kafka had to deal with mental health issues, since it wouldn't be really possible to write such an accurate description of the experience without knowing it. Awesome video!
@teodoras96117 жыл бұрын
I was talking to a classmate and it turned out that we both had started listening to the audiobook at the same time And I got interested in the metamorphisis because of you two so naturally I sent this video to my friend the response was "They look like dweebs I like em" :D take this as a compliment
@giovanafrederico7 жыл бұрын
I absolutely adore Dan! He should have his own channel! And pleeeeeeeeeeeease bring him more to these Book Club videos! Loooooved his input!!!
@yasminebligaard20718 жыл бұрын
Simon you never cease to amaze me with your intelligence - before discovering this channel, I did not think it possible for someone to be good at everything. I was, indeed, incredibly wrong
@hanayuzon8 жыл бұрын
yehey thanks Simon and Dan for le book club session :D Myyy, we had this during first year at uni. Also, the Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges was also a bizarre short story yet I enjoyed it~
@Anuuurag8 жыл бұрын
professional editing on the thumbnail
@nursahbozok84838 жыл бұрын
Great video! Can't wait for the next one!! My opinion on "Die Verwandlung": When it comes to german classics (especially Franz Kafka) i highly recommend comparing Kafkas life with Gregor's ("Brief an den Vater" says it all). For example, their surnames are realllly similar. SAMSA=KAFKA. One thing, that also caught my attention, was that every room has direct access to Gregor's room, meaning that he is the provider of the family (3 doors to his room, one for each family member).
@williamch998 жыл бұрын
Here's my interpretation of the Metamorphosis. I read it in French so ... yup let's do this. And SPOILERS ALERT. Gregor Samsa's journey is an analogy with what a patient with no cure may experience. i) Unveiling the ailment Gregor's unstoppable urge to go to work comes from the sensation of invincibility everyone has when facing with any injury. We think we can overcome any sickness by blinding ourselves from its symptoms, until it pins us down to bed. ii) The coffin We spend the whole book stuck with Gregor in his bedroom. After his firsts steps with his new weakened body (which creates a bond of depency with his sister), Gregor accepts his uncapability to go to the . iii) Relationships deterioration Concerning the relation between Grete and Gregor, contrary to the beginning when she tries her best please Gregor's appetite with multiple choices of meal, the deliveries become less and less attentive, transforming into more of a duty that a hint of care. In general, his downfall into loneliness (only the houselady/nurse is not afraid of his new appearance) is materialised by the dirt which slowly covers his room.. iv) The world vs me The three strangers represent life advancing while Gregor was imprisoned in his fortress of solitude. Everything seems new to him because of his forced sleep and we are eager to judge people despite our lack of understanding. v) The end Because perceived as a burden, no longer useful, as he was, to his family, stranger in an environment which rejects his new appearance, he decides to put an end to his sufferings. To conclude, this is the reverse-Metamorphosis of a butterfly whose wings have been cut and who seeks rest in a cocoon, not knowing that will eventually suffocate him in silence. PS: I ordered my English copy of so see you soon :D
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
Great analysis - thanks for commenting! And looking forward to seeing your take on the Hawking :)
@karliewinters54258 жыл бұрын
Currently studying this book in my German A2 course after having read it in English a few years ago and finding it fascinating looking at the whole issue of translation and the different implications that arise as a result of language.
@FlosBlog5 жыл бұрын
The funny thing is, as a German, I had always considered the English word "vermin" refer to rats. The German word "Ungeziefer" refers to cockroaches and bugs and the like. Apparently, in middle high German the term meant "animal unsuitable to be sacrificed", which kind of urges me to do a Marxist reading. Also, Kafka grew up a German in Prag which at the time was ruled by Austria.
@mangafreak090818 жыл бұрын
For the longest time I only knew the first sentence of the story, because that was the only part about which we talked in school. So it was really interesting to read the rest of it. I really enjoyed how bizarre it was, even though I found it quite sad in general. What I really liked where the changes in the father and the sister and how they started to be more responsible for the family in a way. The only part I did not understand where the three logers, I can't really see what they should symbolise. I also really enjoyed the style of this video. It was really interesting to follow your conservation about the book. Especially because you two so different backgrounds. I'm defiently looking forward to more Book Club videos with Dan.
@kathyakd19857 жыл бұрын
OMG I can't wait for " A Brief History Of Time " book club , looking forward to it . Besides reading the book I watched the movie as well and seriously both of them got me go speechless . So keep it up Simon , and you definitely should do book club with Dan more often because I truly loved the way how you two discussed " The Metamorphosis " which was a mysteriously Psychological/Bizarre/Alienated kind of Typical German Fiction book , I read both versions English and German and it was cool the same as your video together . :P
@cielo79797 жыл бұрын
Thank you for doing the book club series Simon! I read the Metamorphosis when I was a junior in high school. Now I just order a copy of Sapiens; can't wait!! Greetings from Mexico.
@EmperorOfCookies8 жыл бұрын
really nice discussion, cant wait to read it later this year in my german class! also dan sounded adorable pronouncing verfremdungseffekt :+)
@byyVogue8 жыл бұрын
Great interpretation and analysis, but I think you should've also gone a bit into autobiographical relations, like Kafkas own bad relationship to his father and family/surroundings ("Letter to His Father"), or that he was very introverted and seclusive etc. just like the protagonist portrayed here is. I think thats a very important part for understanding this work and others.
@ItsAndyElliott8 жыл бұрын
I recently visited the Kafka museum in Prague. It's amazing, would highly recommend it to any fan of Franz Kafka
@michaelhope88998 жыл бұрын
Did I see Dan wink at the end there? My, my my.
@ThePeppermintBadger8 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to tackling, 'A Brief History of Time' for next the Book Club!
@Kenster-gn7hv7 жыл бұрын
Have you ever read Nathan The Wise or The Sorrows Of Young Werther? They are 2 books from german litterature I would highly recommend reading. "Lineman Thiel" is also one of my favorites. I can not say however how good the books are in english as I have only read them in german.
@malinahale58087 жыл бұрын
It took me two years after reading these 'books' in school to actually appreciate their goodness. But I had this awakening JUST NOW when I read your comment.....it's one of the weird things that proof that you are ...like growing up...MY BRAIN IS NOT COPING
@DerFrischkopf8 жыл бұрын
How convenient. I write a longer exam about this tomorrow
@elizabethr87036 ай бұрын
I know I'm years too late lol...but the fact that everyone was so relieved that he died and they didn't have to deal with him...he wasn't a "burden" anymore was sad, even though he was the sole provider for the family before transforming...the way they were able to move on so easily from losing a brother and a son. The fact that he even died was surprising for me too...
@ertls8 жыл бұрын
It's a little bit strange to me: a long time ago as I grew up I would have despised the idea of a book club. Really sad for past me, because I enjoy yours very much. Read Hawking's book as a teenager but will refresh my memory to dive into the discussion more well prepared. BTW how do you (all of you, not only Simon) think of Hawking's later books? I think his first one (was it actually his first? have to research.) was the best. But perhaps I should give them another try. Times are changing, so do we...
@matushalak8 жыл бұрын
Dan is amazing do more vids with him !
@markmoloney44335 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed having two perspectives on this book review!! Thank you guys.
@maxstephen37568 жыл бұрын
ive been looking for an excuse to read a brief history of time for ages now. Thanks Simon
@marianabaya88587 жыл бұрын
I just read it for IB! That’s so amazing finding out that others go through the same things as me
@jessicanite11973 жыл бұрын
Do you think if Gregor was shown more human kindness, his metamorphosis may have been reversed? He regained some of his humanity when he heard his mother's voice for the first time in many months after being pretty much abandoned... He regained humanity again when he heard his sister's music... He is such a likable character and I feel sick about the injustice of his horrific fate.
@moose19407 жыл бұрын
I love this series its so entertaining thanks and keep it up!!
@CameliaTex6 жыл бұрын
I read this book so many years ago... I have to read it again. I was in 6th grade I think.. I remember not being able to go to sleep.. :) but I had to read it all at once.. I needed to know the end.
@MrDpsc8 жыл бұрын
I didn't like die verwandlung. As you say, it reads like it contains a much deeper meaning yet when I read it, I couldn't really figure out what it was. Sure there were deeper points but it's as if I missed some kind of overarching idea. For example, the food evolves much like his life; it starts out good, slowly turns to shit until it fizzles out at the end. Surely there is something deeper here... Near the end I was hoping they'd shoot him just to get it over with.
@irun_mon8 жыл бұрын
I looked the red spot on your nose the whole time O.O
@bauerjack21528 жыл бұрын
One of my favorite books. I read it in German for my Abitur (A level).
@aviv83458 жыл бұрын
right but also there's the lense of the translated "vermin" being an allegory for both the character and kafka being jewish and the notion of jewish isolation in an antisemitic, pre-WWII germany, seeing as it is a common slur for jews. i think thats a pretty integral part of the context of the translation and political/personal history.
@SimonClark7 жыл бұрын
Ah of course yes. It's telling I suppose that we've come so far that the idea that Kafka might be referring to Jews as 'vermin' is so ridiculous that we never even considered it!
@aviv83457 жыл бұрын
i wish that were the case...im jewish and believe me, the same rhetoric is still being used by antisemites :/
@abrarjahin01447 жыл бұрын
I have a question but I need to ask you. when you have a lot of works from past and more and more in future but your main enemy sleep is making you fall behind from all I am in that kind of position. what you have done.
@ariastoneli28477 жыл бұрын
Simon, I love this series of programmes. Have you guys read some other books that are about other countries or cultures like African ,East Asian, or South America? I really want to know your perspectives on other cultures. By the way, I watched your videos first for practising speaking for IELTS, but I found that my listening skill(8.5/9) benefited more than speaking (6/9). Sad face
@David-CoolDave8 жыл бұрын
Great book, it's been years
@muhilan85405 жыл бұрын
"monstrous vermin" in my version and it's much better phrase in my opinion... Kafka was Czech not German! Also, I wish you would have talked about Kafka's relationship with his father
@dinukaranasinghe80328 жыл бұрын
Hey Simon were you in IB? (International Bacc...) ?
@SimonClark7 жыл бұрын
Nope, A levels!
@M12345-i8 жыл бұрын
more of Dan!!!!
@je95338 жыл бұрын
You really understand it if you have read this in german.
@Arikatea8 жыл бұрын
JNA ETNSR I agree!
@IAmApplePie0008 жыл бұрын
Have you read the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov? Absolutely incredible series.
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
I've been wanting to for some time - I'll get on it when I submit my thesis!
@IAmApplePie0008 жыл бұрын
Fantastic, I'll expect a comprehensive review within a week. Chop chop! Good luck with the final stretch of the thesis!
@MIbra968 жыл бұрын
That ending was the best part. xD
@ACM112PT8 жыл бұрын
Hi Simon i liked this video. Just a tip: maybe you could delete the background white noise in audacity as its a bit annoying
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
Not a Fucking Goat yeah sorry I missed it during editing as I made the mistake of not wearing headphones - won't happen again!
@ACM112PT8 жыл бұрын
nice :)
@emerson_vettel7 жыл бұрын
I am german and read it. And I actually imagined him as a giant cockroach so I guess "cockroach" was the right choice as a translation.
@AlenaCantFly8 жыл бұрын
There is also the theory that everything Gregor sees/feels is imagined. We had to debate that in our German exam
@forrester_z38814 жыл бұрын
DON'T READ THIS COMMENT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK. Keep in mind that the father was kinda able to relate to Gregor near the end of the book when he has to work, and Gregor isn't the only one who went through a metamorphosis. The sister goes through one too.
@danielbrito88548 жыл бұрын
Simon, do you do Public Speaking? You are so well spoken and I was wondering whether you had practiced clear speech before making a youtube channel.
@stokesy8878 жыл бұрын
Daniel Brito I'm not 100% sure, but I think he said somewhere that he did a lot of debating.
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
Yeah I did a lot of public speaking and debating before starting KZbin, it was a really big influence on my style :)
@danielbrito88548 жыл бұрын
Yeah I can tell! Do you have any tips on public speaking for a beginner like me? Kind of like where to find practice and such.
@ainuraibrasheva91027 жыл бұрын
Simon Clark could you please make a video about debating, that would be really great! Because i am beginner at debating, so i would really appreciate this kind of video from a professional:) Thank you in advance:)
@lucbraun59987 жыл бұрын
Actually, Kafka was born in Prague, then part of Austria-Hungary
@benhoggy12208 жыл бұрын
First book club vid I've watched and I only clicked cos Dan is cute :P
@rorybrownetobia37348 жыл бұрын
Hi Simon , can you do these book club reviews more often ?
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
I plan on doing them (or other book content) roughly once a month, so more frequently than I have in the past!
@southofheck Жыл бұрын
I’m glad I wasn’t crazy when I started giggling at the story. The absurdity of a dude waking up as a giant insect and thinking “oh good heavens it’s a quarter past seven! I better catch the eight o clock train or my boss will be very upset with me!” is the exact kinda humor I love. My buddy who got me interested in reading it told me it was this insanely gross and disgusting story, and I honestly didn’t get much of that.
@abrarjahin01448 жыл бұрын
after 12 hours at a stretch college, private I am exhausted, can't give enough time to anything and study on my own very much, can't stay late at night for study. can you solve my problem simon?
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
It sounds like you're overworking yourself - within that 12 hours you need to take some breaks or you're going to burn out. When you're better rested you'll find that you're able to work better in the time that you have available to you
@heijd8 жыл бұрын
I found the most interesting development in the book the 'Metamorphosis' of the family members. They start of completely dependend on Gregor, but when Gregor is unable to provide anything, they start doing all kind of work which they never would have done before. If I recall correctly, they rent rooms to strangers, the father goes back to work and the sister starts working aswell. It is as if Gregor was holding everyone back by helping them. The book ends with Gregor dying, which somehow has an incredably positive vibe around it. It is like the familiemembers have lifted some kind of weight of their shoulders and are going to be very happy. It was a very interesting book for sure.
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
This is really interesting - Gregor was holding everyone back from their potential by doing the work for them, yet the family members weren't doing anything wrong, and weren't 'bad characters'. I guess that's also something that is Kafkaesque - almost like a Catch-22 type deal!
@stuatlittle128 жыл бұрын
Can anyone tell me what year Dan is in, thanks.
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
Yes in the second year of his undergrad :)
@stuatlittle128 жыл бұрын
Simon Clark Thanks Simon! Also just want you to know your channel has really taught me a lot about university life and doing a phd. Keep it up!
@pauledwards94938 жыл бұрын
rather a series of unfortunate events, pardon the pun.
@cloedoso37247 жыл бұрын
Paul Edwards nice
@blackham77 жыл бұрын
You have the best roomate ever.
@dinukaranasinghe80327 жыл бұрын
I wonder how many points Dan received on his IB Diploma out of 45.?
@mazorine8 жыл бұрын
At first, I thought they'd think that he (the vermin) killed Gregor and they would kill the him... Was there something I missed?
@georgiaflavell88547 жыл бұрын
Brilliant-- could u do a Christmas carol-- we are doing it for gcse xx
@inessamaria24287 жыл бұрын
About the video: It was interesting when Science and Humanities Area talks about books.
@OwainTobin17 жыл бұрын
do a book club on the book dianetics
@RasmusTommyLind8 жыл бұрын
Hahahah at the ending... so good... :'D
@tombooker96468 жыл бұрын
Read Coetzee's Disgrace!
@Maxi8558 жыл бұрын
The thumbnail is not the best but I love Dan so...
@htead19908 жыл бұрын
I like the mugs
@yylee40287 жыл бұрын
Oh I've read it already
@MexieMex7 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed Metamorphosis, couldn't make it to the end of Sapiens because it was so bad, not a fan of Hawking, so hopes aren't high for the next one ;^/
@SimonClark7 жыл бұрын
What did you not like about Sapiens?
@MexieMex7 жыл бұрын
Simon Clark It started well, then the author started spewing their own totally unsupported bullshit theories about stuff, and I gave up on it.
@SimonClark7 жыл бұрын
Hmmm interesting - what kind of stuff did you object to as being bullshit?
@MexieMex7 жыл бұрын
Simon Clark As many others have pointed out on GoodReads he has an overly romanticised idea of the hunter-gatherer life and therefore assumes anything that isn't that was a horrible mistake, a horrible mistake we would all change if we could, but it was too late. is a prime example of the bullshit I objected to. It's possible he returned to the quality of the earlier part of the book after he got that out of his system, but I could no longer take him seriously, so dropped it.
@TheThelorac8 жыл бұрын
Ay, I read that for school
@demothipallaton53758 жыл бұрын
Does Dan do KZbin?
@SimonClark8 жыл бұрын
We will be doing more videos together in the future - both on this channel and on a second one (hopefully soon!)
@anonnemos41628 жыл бұрын
Simon Clark Wow i thought you and Dan were the same age didnt realise he was a lot younger
@johntarpley97074 жыл бұрын
Prague was in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, not Prussia.
@srenskeie57968 жыл бұрын
Nice
@yellowhmsconqueror8 жыл бұрын
i feel bad for saying this but did anybody find gregor cute ? like in a very weird way
@Lizzygrant53736 ай бұрын
Boyssss
@chinnu8107 жыл бұрын
this was an awesome video but i gotta say.. dan is hella fine
@antoc21518 жыл бұрын
Sounds interesting but weird
@dhooth9 ай бұрын
not prussia, austro-hungary / czechoslovakia
@cameronparkinson85808 жыл бұрын
I'm sorry but just listening to you 2 talk about the book was a bit too much for me, I hate imaging it so I won't be reading it.