Wednesday 26 June 2013

Kafka for Kiddies


I heard an interesting report on the World Service yesterday about a version of The Metamorphosis for children (written because the author's own children had demanded that he read it to them).  Unfortunately, I can't find any info about the report on the BBC website.

The discussion was brief, but basically was an expression on surprise that the plot - Gregor wakes up one morning, discovers that he has transformed into a beetle, become alienated from his family and the world, and eventually dies - is suitable for children.  There was also the argument that children would miss the deep themes behind the story.  Both of those points are nonsense.  Children's literature has always been dark (very dark!) and has always covered deep themes of alienation, etc.

It seems to me that, if done well, Kafka could be very suitable for children...

1 comment:

  1. Kafka for Kiddies, now there is a concept! Let the night terrors begin.

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