Themes of Transformation and Emotional Evolution in "Metamorphosis
The story "Metamorphosis" by Kafka delves into themes of physical and emotional transformation, highlighting the changes in Gregor and his family. Metamorphosis symbolizes growth, Grete's transition into adulthood mirrors Gregor's change, and the family's emotional journey shifts from despair to hope. Sympathy dwindles, the family's financial struggles transform, and Gregor's loss of will to live shows the impact of rejection. The narrative explores complex dynamics, reflecting societal themes and human nature.
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Metamorphosisrefers to a stage in insect and amphibian development during which an immature form of the animal undergoes a physical transformation to become an adult.
Gregorchanges physically & mentally His life before the transformation was insect- like in quality (redundant, unfulfilled, without inspiration)
Grete changes from a child into an adult. Significance of the ending And it was like a confirmation of their new dreams and good intentions when at the end of the ride their daughter got up first and stretched her young body (55). Stretching emerging after a long period of confinement, as if from a cocoon
Shows most sympathy in the beginning, least at the end. I won t pronounce the name of my brother in front of this monster, and so all I say is: we have to try to get rid of it. We ve done everything humanly possibly to take care of it and to put up with it; I don t think anyone can blame us in the least (48).
The family is emotionally transformed-- change from hopeless to hopeful. In the beginning, they are overcome by financial problems, and they depend on Gregorfor money. At the end, they have jobs, income, promise for future. Now that Gregor serves no purpose, they have no affection for him.
Gregorloses his will to live shortly after his family announces their intent to dispose of him. He remained in this state of empty and peacfulreflection until the tower clock struck three in the morning. He still saw that outside the window everything was beginning to grow light. Then, without his consent, his head sank to the floor, and from his nostrils streamed his last weak breath (51).
If it were Gregor, he would have realized long ago that it isn't possible for human beings to live with such a creature, and he would have gone away of his own free will. Then we wouldn't have a brother, but we'd be able to go on living and honor his memory. But as things are, this animal persecutes us, drives the roomers away, obviously wants to occupy the whole apartment and for us to sleep in the gutter (49) monstrous vermin evil vermin as Kafka vermin as other
Window = Freedom he would crawl up to the window sill and, propped up in the chair, lean against the window, evidently in some sort of remembrance of the feeling of freedom he used to have from looking out the window (28). Hospital out window
Doors = Gregoris prisoner of his family. locked in (differences in part 1, 2, and 3) Gregor sroom in sandwiched between his parents and sister. 3 doors (1 to each bedroom, 1 to family room) for this deterioration of his situation he was granted compensation every day around dusk the living-room door was opened, so that, lying in the darkness of his room, invisible from the living room, he could see the whole family and could listen to their conversation as it were with general permission (38).
Food shows how members of the family feel toward Gregor. Grete offers milk, bread, and other choices to determine what he likes best. She cares less and less about this job. She hurriedly shoved any old food into Gregor s room with her foot (41) Once they stop feeding him, they have lost their sympathy for him. Gregorfeels resentment as boarders eat dinner. Wound from apple leads to his death.
Picture= Gregors former humanity. He put picture on wall when he was still human. He clings to it when his mom and sister try to clean out his room.
Music/Violin=Gregors former humanity Before transformation, what Gregorwanted most was to send his sister to the conservatorium to study violin When he crawls out of his room to listen, he wants to appreciate the music and support his sister. He is viewed as a threat and destroys evening and income supplied by lodgers. Violin scene shows Gregor s inability to communicate. He is trapped in the body of a bug, unable to share the moment of beauty; he realizes his life is not worth living.
Uniform=Fathers dignity & Gregors shifting feelings of pity and respect When father first puts in on, his self-respect is restored and so is Gregor s respect for him. He s no longer lethargic, but dignified. Father refuses to take uniform off; he sleeps in it; it becomes dirty. Pity? tired, overworked Picture of Gregor in uniform is contrast.
3 parts to text 3 parts of metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) 3 parts of Gregor s metamorphosis (realization, coping, surrender) 3 family members 3 lodgers 3 a.m. Gregor dies 3 times he leaves his room Any other 3 s in story? 3 s in religion?
GregorSamsaas savior of his family. He assumes all the burdens to make their lives easier. He becomes a lowly, broken man, who dies after his family condemns him. His death brings his family the opportunity to become self-sufficient and fulfilled. As a result of his death, they have a chance at a better life.
