Setting in The Metamorphosis
Setting in The Metamorphosis
The setting of a work can be important in establishing theme, portraying characters, and creating conflicts. It can be an important tool for authors in establishing the message of their work. In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the author uses setting to highlight the isolation and oppression from human society felt by Gregor Samsa. The entirety of the story for Gregor takes place within his family’s apartment. Not once in the novel, from Gregor’s transformation to his death, does Gregor leave the apartment. In fact, he spends the majority of the novel locked in his room by his parents. After his transformation, Gregor’s father forces him inside his room and shuts the door. Gregor is left to sit in his room alone and eventually rots away to death inside of his room. This setting creates a theme of isolation as Gregor is physically isolated from his family and from human society in general. He is either largely ignored or directly mistreated by all who come in contact with him throughout the story. Gregor’s complete isolation represents the feelings of isolation that the average human can feel at times throughout their lives. Another interesting aspect of setting is the location of Gregor’s room within the apartment. Gregor’s room lies sandwiched right between his sister’s room and his parents’ room. Perhaps this symbolized the oppression Gregor feels from society and his family in particular. Gregor might feel a lack of freedom as he lives right in the middle of his family and does not have his own place to stay. Additionally, throughout the book Gregor is often seen staring out the window to give himself the feeling of freedom that he lacks in his ordinary life. We know Gregor feels oppressed by his work as he hates his job but yet continues to work in order to pay off his parents’ debt. Because he is working largely to support his family, Gregor’s primary oppression may actually come from his family. The location of his room
The setting of a work can be important in establishing theme, portraying characters, and creating conflicts. It can be an important tool for authors in establishing the message of their work. In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the author uses setting to highlight the isolation and oppression from human society felt by Gregor Samsa. The entirety of the story for Gregor takes place within his family’s apartment. Not once in the novel, from Gregor’s transformation to his death, does Gregor leave the apartment. In fact, he spends the majority of the novel locked in his room by his parents. After his transformation, Gregor’s father forces him inside his room and shuts the door. Gregor is left to sit in his room alone and eventually rots away to death inside of his room. This setting creates a theme of isolation as Gregor is physically isolated from his family and from human society in general. He is either largely ignored or directly mistreated by all who come in contact with him throughout the story. Gregor’s complete isolation represents the feelings of isolation that the average human can feel at times throughout their lives. Another interesting aspect of setting is the location of Gregor’s room within the apartment. Gregor’s room lies sandwiched right between his sister’s room and his parents’ room. Perhaps this symbolized the oppression Gregor feels from society and his family in particular. Gregor might feel a lack of freedom as he lives right in the middle of his family and does not have his own place to stay. Additionally, throughout the book Gregor is often seen staring out the window to give himself the feeling of freedom that he lacks in his ordinary life. We know Gregor feels oppressed by his work as he hates his job but yet continues to work in order to pay off his parents’ debt. Because he is working largely to support his family, Gregor’s primary oppression may actually come from his family. The location of his room
Cited: Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. New York: Bantam, 1972. Print.