Who Is Gregor Samsa In The Metamorphosis
The Rebirth of Gregor Samsa in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis
Franz Kafka’s novel, The Metamorphosis, utilizes distortion to emphasize the theme of alienation and isolation by its protagonist Gregor Samsa in an exploration of man's struggle for understanding and acceptance. Society is often frightened by those who are different and therefore demands conformity to its norms or it alienates individuals who attempt to deviate from these standards. Gregor Samsa represents this isolation from humanity, his job and even his body when he realizes he can no longer continue to live the life he have been living.
“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself” (Kafka 3). …show more content…
“But at least it was now believed that all was not right with him and they were ready to help him... He felt encircled by humanity again”(Kafka 15). Furthermore, prior to his metamorphosis into a vermin, it had been Gregor who had chosen the isolation of his life. He, himself, had chosen to distance himself from intimacy from outsiders as well as with his family. After the change, it will be the others who alienate and isolate Gregor, who lock him up in his room and separate from him. The forced separation from society further creates a void of understanding and acceptance for who Gregor and in turn Kafka feels he is. “... the metamorphosis into a monstrous insect Gregor is ...total alienation from his family, from human society...from human nature... he still has human sensibility, human feelings, human senses, but they are invisible to all..his isolation so total” (Mendoza 136). Gregor Samsa metamorphosis into that of a bug is truly a representation of the metamorphosis of his awareness that his life had no purpose. Gregor views the transient life of a traveling salesman as dehumanizing and yearns to express his true self and be valued as …show more content…
“Kafka’s fiction... captures the alienation of twentieth century life... characters are left adrift in a world...over which they seem to have little control. The Metamorphosis captures all of the fear and doubt with which human beings face their future” (Mazzeno). The power behind Kafka’s fiction, essentially relies on the similarities between the alienation of Gregor, and the isolation that took place during twentieth century life. Religious beliefs, achievements of modern science, as well as the significance of art were denied during this time, giving people limited jurisdiction. Humanity's failure to recognize people's individualities is what ultimately leads to the alienation, isolation, and later metamorphosis of Gregor
Franz Kafka’s novel, The Metamorphosis, utilizes distortion to emphasize the theme of alienation and isolation by its protagonist Gregor Samsa in an exploration of man's struggle for understanding and acceptance. Society is often frightened by those who are different and therefore demands conformity to its norms or it alienates individuals who attempt to deviate from these standards. Gregor Samsa represents this isolation from humanity, his job and even his body when he realizes he can no longer continue to live the life he have been living.
“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself” (Kafka 3). …show more content…
“But at least it was now believed that all was not right with him and they were ready to help him... He felt encircled by humanity again”(Kafka 15). Furthermore, prior to his metamorphosis into a vermin, it had been Gregor who had chosen the isolation of his life. He, himself, had chosen to distance himself from intimacy from outsiders as well as with his family. After the change, it will be the others who alienate and isolate Gregor, who lock him up in his room and separate from him. The forced separation from society further creates a void of understanding and acceptance for who Gregor and in turn Kafka feels he is. “... the metamorphosis into a monstrous insect Gregor is ...total alienation from his family, from human society...from human nature... he still has human sensibility, human feelings, human senses, but they are invisible to all..his isolation so total” (Mendoza 136). Gregor Samsa metamorphosis into that of a bug is truly a representation of the metamorphosis of his awareness that his life had no purpose. Gregor views the transient life of a traveling salesman as dehumanizing and yearns to express his true self and be valued as …show more content…
“Kafka’s fiction... captures the alienation of twentieth century life... characters are left adrift in a world...over which they seem to have little control. The Metamorphosis captures all of the fear and doubt with which human beings face their future” (Mazzeno). The power behind Kafka’s fiction, essentially relies on the similarities between the alienation of Gregor, and the isolation that took place during twentieth century life. Religious beliefs, achievements of modern science, as well as the significance of art were denied during this time, giving people limited jurisdiction. Humanity's failure to recognize people's individualities is what ultimately leads to the alienation, isolation, and later metamorphosis of Gregor