Franz Kafka Metamorphosis

In zoological terms, the definition of metamorphosis is the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form (in an insect or amphibian). In Franz Kafka’s novella, The Metamorphosis, the most apparent metamorphosis is that of the protagonist, a traveling salesman by the name of Gregor Samsa. “As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.” (Kafka 67) Gregor’s metamorphosis from the sole breadwinner to the paralyzed burden of the family drives him into alienation by his own family. Because he is unable to provide for his family anymore, Gregor ‘forces’ his family to undergo metamorphosis as they struggle to fend for themselves. Gregor is not the only one to
Upon realizing that he has changed into a “monstrous vermin”, Gregor’s initial response is mainly observational. Rather than questioning the cause of his transformation or grieve over his condition, Gregor quickly accepts his fate and attempts to continue on with his life in his new condition. Having realized the helplessness of his current state, Gregor continues to hold on to every last ounce of hope. The narrator reveals, “Some times he thought that, the next time the door opened, he would once again take charge of the family’s problems just as he used to…” (Kafka 121) Gregor struggles to cope with the fact that he has lost his identity as the family’s breadwinner due to the fact that he can no longer work. Gregor’s metamorphosis can be seen as the abridged process of aging in one’s life. Similar to an aging person, Gregor has to accept his changing body and realize that he can no longer provide for the
After Gregor’s transformation, Grete is the only one to take pity on Gregor and she becomes his sole caretaker. Although Grete’s pity for Gregor starts to diminish, she continues caring for him because its define her position in the household. However, when Grete takes on other jobs to help support the family, she begins to slack on her role as Gregor’s caretaker. In fact, it is Grete who decides that the family must get rid of Gregor. At the end of story, Grete’s parents “… grew quietly and half unconsciously exchanged glances of complete agreement, having come to the conclusion that it would soon be time to find a good husband for her.” (Kafka 132) Upon recognizing the pretty young woman Grete has become, Grete’s parents remark on marrying her off. This signifies the end of Grete’s transformation and her maturity as she takes on greater responsibilities and is ready to