Creating In The Humanities

QUESTION

For this “Creating in the Humanities” assignment, look through the learning resources from the entire semester and find one specific example of literature, art, music, dance, drama, theater, philosophy, or religion that you can use as inspiration to create something of your own that imitates it or presents a new perspective on it.

This means you should find a specific painting, poem, story, piece of philosophy, religious ritual, play, dance, etc. Do not use terminology like hue, perspective, tempo etc. You are imitating or building from the work of another artist, philosopher, author etc.

You will share your creative effort with the class in a discussion forum. Please avoid repeating something creative you may have already done in the class discussions.

 

ANSWER

One of the fascinating pieces of literature I encountered this semester was Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis.” This novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to be transformed into a giant insect. The story explores themes of alienation, absurdity, and the human condition.

Inspired by Kafka’s work, I created a short story that takes a different perspective on transformation and alienation. In my story, the protagonist doesn’t physically transform into an insect but undergoes a mental and emotional transformation.

 

 

Title: “The Metamorphosis of Marion”

Marion, an introverted librarian in a quiet town, was trapped in a world of books and solitude. She was content with her life until a new library featuring interactive technology, replacing traditional books, emerged. The townspeople flocked to the modern library, leaving Marion’s sanctuary empty and obsolete.

As the library’s attendance dwindled, Marion felt herself changing. She began to withdraw from the world, isolating herself even further. Her obsession with books grew to an extreme, and her perception of reality started to blur. Marion believed she had become the embodiment of her beloved books, absorbing their stories and emotions. Her mental metamorphosis became complete when she could no longer distinguish between herself and the novel characters.

This new perspective on transformation and alienation explores the idea that change doesn’t always have to be physical. Marion’s transformation was psychological, emphasizing the power of literature to shape one’s identity and reality.

I would share this story with the class to foster a discussion about how transformation and alienation can be portrayed in literature and how literature can serve as a vehicle for exploring the human condition.