ABSTRACT: This paper aims to compare the main characters’ solitude and plight in The Metamorphosis and The Castle, highlighting the causes of the characters’ tragedy, finally to find the connection between the two novels. This paper will focus on the protagonists, Gregor’s tragedy and reveal the causes of his solitude and plight after his metamorphosis, especially his father and sister’s changes in attitude causes his tragical fate. About The Castle, this paper aims to find K’s solitude and plight on his pursuit, which is caused by K’s self-identity, the castle’s authority and the village. Through comparison, it can draw a conclusion that the main topic of this paper is solitude and plight. Both protagonists in The Metamorphosis and The Castle are lonely when they pursuit their dreams, and their situation is in plight.

Key words: solitude and plight; Gregor; K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

摘要

ABSTRACT

1 INTRODUCTION-1

2 LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Overseas research-3

2.2 Domestic Research-4

3 INTERPRETATION OF THE PROTAGONISTS’ FATE-6

3.1-The causes of Gregor’s fate-6

3.1.1 Gregor’s father causes his death-6

3.1.3 Gregor’s solitude and plight after his metamorphosis-12

3.2 The causes of K’s fate-14

3.2.1 K’s identity makes him lonely-14

3.2.2 The castle authority makes K lonely-16

3.2.3 The villagers make K lonely-18

3.2.4 K’s pursuit makes him lonely-20

4 CONCLUSION-23

REFERENCES-24

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS-26