Essay 2 Rhetorical Analysis

Kafka: The Influence of Family History on an Individual's Predisposition to Alcoholism.

Franz Kafka was a German-speaking novelist and short story writer from Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic who struggled with anxiety and depression, who lived from 1883 to 1924. He is regarded as one of the most significant authors of the 20th century, mainly known for his exploration of complex themes in his literary works. Kafka's writing often conveys a unique blend of dark humor and tragedy, emphasizing the absurdity of the human condition. These themes are relevant not only to Kafka's time but also resonate with contemporary readers, as they reflect ongoing concerns about authority, identity, and the individual's place within society. Many of Kafka’s writings were based on his own personal experiences. Characters in Kafka's stories often feel alienated and powerless, mirroring his personal struggles with self-worth and societal pressures. This connection between his life experiences and his literary themes illustrates Kafka's introspective nature and helps contextualize his perceptions. Kafka's letters and diaries frequently reveal his internal conflicts and anxiety about how he was viewed by others, confirming that he indeed saw himself through a lens of weakness and inadequacy. Considering that Kafka shared characteristics consistent with depression, and even though he did not have alcoholism, he would have agreed alcoholism was a social epidemic. With Kafka, even beer comes with baggage (Martyris, 2016) “I no longer know if I wish to drown myself in love, vodka or the sea.” (Kafka, p. 14) Kafka may not have ever been diagnosed back then with alcoholism, but looking at now his life could have easily been reliant on alcohol from the relationship he had with his father and the way he felt people seen him. Kafka would agree that alcoholism is a social epidemic that stems from family relationships, the way we feel others see us, and how we see ourselves. Even though we all may not realize it but the way we treat and portray others plays a significant role in their lives and well-being. “I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.”

Addiction is seen as a chronic disease that can permanently alter the brain's neural structure, leading individuals to become driven to use drugs and/or alcohol. Alcoholism is an addiction and not seen as something that is entirely beyond a person's control or something that they are not responsible for. While alcoholism does involve changes in the brain that can make it difficult to stop abusing alcohol, the Enlightenment view emphasizes personal responsibility and the belief that individuals have the power to make choices that can lead to overcoming alcoholism. Major perspectives on addiction are organized into the four general categories: moral, medical, compensatory, and enlightenment. Brickman et al. (1982) derived these four models to describe attribution of responsibility for problems based on the combination of who or what is viewed as causing the problem and who is seen as responsible for solving the problem. In Franz Kafka writings his themes of identity, isolation, and the absurdity of human existence are woven throughout the story, making it a critical examination of how individuals confront their own realities amidst overwhelming detachment from society. Ultimately, "The Refusal" serves as a reflection of Kafka's broader literary exploration of the human condition, echoing his other works that resonate with feelings of alienation and existential dread.
The central argument against the cause of addiction being purely genetic, in the context of the article 'Rat Park Addiction: The View from Rat Park',
(Alexander, 2010) lies in a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between genetics and environmental factors. The author asserts that while genetic predisposition may play a role in addiction, it is not the sole determinant. Crucially, environmental factors like socialization, stress, and personal experiences, may affect the onset, progression, and maintenance of addiction as well. Kafka's letters and diaries frequently reveal his internal conflicts and anxiety about how he was viewed by others, confirming that he indeed saw himself through a lens of weakness and inadequacy. Kafka recounts one particularly traumatic incident when one night as a young boy, he kept crying for water — “not, I am certain, because I was thirsty, but probably partly to be annoying, partly to amuse myself,” he explains with that learned reality-questioning apologism he carried into adulthood. (Popova, 2015) Franz Kafka had a very difficult relationship with his father. He found him to be overbearing, dominating and distant. He explored this situation in his literature, and the nature of the relationship has also been expressed in The Metamorphosis. In this book, Gregor also finds his father to be an unkind, dominating figure who is also a very powerful force in Gregor's life. Due to family expectations and personal responsibility stands out in The Metamorphosis. Kafka effectively illustrates how societal and familial pressures can lead to profound feelings of isolation. (Kafka and Corngold 1) Kafka's portrayal of Gregor's psychological turmoil and his family's gradual rejection reveals much about the nature of human relationships and the impact of societal expectations which in the world today would influence someone to rely on alcohol to hide how they often feel alienated and powerless, mirroring his personal struggles with self-worth and societal pressures. This connection between his life experiences and his literary themes illustrates Kafka's introspective nature and helps contextualize his perceptions. In The Metamorphosis Kafka's inability to settle on a simple transformation for Gregor metaphorically represents his own creative struggles and the pressures of expectation he faced as a writer. This indecision and absurdity mirror themes found in Kafka's broader works, showcasing how personal conflict and existential dread are central to his genius. One of the early excerpts shows Grete's compassion for Gregor after his transformation. Despite the shock, she tried to connect with him by coming into his room softly: (Kafka and Corngold 1)
"[His sister] came in on tiptoe, as if she were visiting someone seriously ill or perhaps even a stranger." (2.7)
This moment reveals her initial protective instinct, treating Gregor as someone vulnerable and in need of care.
Deterioration of Relationship: Later in the story, Grete's feelings shift dramatically. After she becomes responsible for Gregor's care and starts feeling burdened, she ultimately rejects him:
"She refused to call him her brother and insisted that he has to be disposed of just like any old household pets.”
(2.22)
This quote indicates her complete emotional transformation, as she moves from affection to frustration and finally to rejection, illustrating how care for Gregor becomes a tedious task that she resents.
Overall, these excerpts encapsulate Grete's transformation from a supportive sister to someone who sees Gregor as a burden, reflecting her personal evolution throughout the narrative. This is how most people who are addicted to alcohol feel others see and treat them and continue to rely on alcohol to get through life.
Kafka was not a heavy drinker, but, as he ironically said, a 'passionate drinker’ “The common drinking became a comforting symbol, a symbol of the closeness he had always missed," Beer made everything better. Father and son "had no common interests, no common language, and they almost never did anything in common," (Martyris, 2016). Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" reflects his life through the strained relationship between Gregor and his father, showcasing themes of alienation and authority. Kafka's own challenging familial dynamics impact Gregor's tragic existence. This relationship highlights Kafka’s feelings of powerlessness and his struggle for identity. Both excerpts from Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis explore the theme of alienation, particularly in the context of family dynamics. In the story, Gregor Samsa's transformation into an insect serves as a potent metaphor for his feeling of disconnection from those around him, especially his family. Gregor's physical transformation leads him to feel increasingly alienated not only from his family but also from his own identity. Initially, he feels a sense of duty to support his family. However, as his condition deteriorates, he realizes that he has become a burden, generating feelings of shame and isolation. This shift highlights how familial bonds can fray when one member is unable to meet social and economic expectations. Throughout these passages, Gregor struggles with his sense of responsibility towards his family. Even after his transformation, he worries about how his new form affects their lives (Kafka and Corngold 1). For instance, he tries to remain calm and support their emotional needs, even though his presence has now become a source of discomfort for them. This showcases a deep internal conflict between his desire to contribute and the reality of his situation.
In conclusion, Kafka may not have ever been diagnosed back then with alcoholism, but looking at now his life could have easily been reliant on alcohol from the relationship he had with his father and the way he felt people seen him. Kafka would agree that alcoholism is a social epidemic that stems from family relationships, the way we feel others see us, and how we see ourselves. Even though we all may not realize it but the way we treat and portray others plays a significant role in their lives and well-being. “I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.”