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Archetypes In The Metamorphosis

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Archetypes In The Metamorphosis
In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, there are many details and descriptions to interpret the setting of the novel. Certain aspects are included to bring the reader into the story and picture it in their mind. The details are not just small or minute plot points; they are certain descriptions, known as archetypes that stand for special elements in the plot of the story.
One of the many archetypes in The Metamorphosis is the bug that Gregor, the main character, wakes up as. This is an animal archetype that is a negative archetype because, to his surprise, Gregor wakes up as a hideous insect and insects are not looked upon to enjoy or be beneficial. The fact that Gregor was unlucky enough to wake up and have his life so drastically altered without his will is very misfortunate. Another example of an archetype in The Metamorphosis is the weather in
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Gregor starts to make “animal” noises instead of formulated words and sentences. It actually scares the other humans and it stands for the animal that Gregor now becomes and cannot associate with humans anymore. Once, when Gregor was able to find a way through the locked doors in his room, he saw through the rest of the house. “The door to the foyer was open…” symbolizes how once he could get out, he could have chosen to leave his family and not placed his burden onto them but he is somewhat selfish and decided to stay with his family when the world was wide “open”. Another situational archetype that was found in the book is when the Father, Mr. Samsa, pushes Gregor back into the room that they lock him in. “The door was slammed shut with the stick, then all was still.” So once Gregor was forced back into his room, every violent action or any excitement present vanished when the problem

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