Today's Google Doodle celebrates Franz Kafka's 130th birthday, referencing one of his most famous novellas, "The Metamorphosis."
Born on July 3, 1883 in Prague to a German-speaking, Jewish family, Kafka is recognized as one of the most influential authors of the 20th century.
In the Metamorphosis, the protagonist Gregor Samsa one day realizes he has turned into a giant insect. Oddly, the people from his surroundings continue to live a fairly normal life despite his transformation, the reasons of which are never explained.
Though the story is quite disturbing, Google's Doodle is far from frightening, depicting a large bug in human clothing coming from work. In the story, however, Gregor's horrible appearance renders him unfit for work, and the apple, also depicted in the Doodle, is used as a weapon that nearly kills him.
Kafka's other famous works include the novels "The Trial," "The Castle" as well as short stories "In the Penal Colony" and "A Hunger Artist".
How do you like today's Google Doodle? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Bonus: The 10 Most Popular Google Doodles of 2012
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