An Analysis of the Linked Metamorphoses in Kafka's "the Metamorphosis"

An Analysis of the linked Metamorphoses in Kafka's "The Metamorphosis"

It is absolutely impossible for a person to transform into an insect. It is also quite unimaginable for a family to live knowing there is a gigantic bug in the house but the novella "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka provides us an insight of life in this situation. The novella "The Metamorphosis" is about Gregor, a young man who has mysteriously transformed into a bug. His transformation has greatly affected his family causing them to change as well. There are numerous of metamorphoses in the novella and Gregor's metamorphosis serves as a catalyst for his family's metamorphoses for Gregor's transformation has affected his family's way of living, attitude towards others and their overall character.

Gregor's transformation has greatly affected his sister Grete physically, emotionally, psychologically and socially. In the beginning of the novella, Grete was said to be a timid girl who held no responsibility in the family. No one expected anything from her for she was merely a girl but this changed when Gregor was transformed into a vermin. At first, Gregor was the sole provider of his family but after his incident, he became no use and his family had to face the consequences. Because of lack of income, Grete had to work by day and study by night. She held all the responsibility that was given to Gregor and this made her into a more assertive person. She was also the only one who could stomach Gregor's appearance so she was the only one who delivers Gregor's food. This responsibility increased her stature in the eyes of her parents. "For the first fortnight his parents could not bring themselves to the point of entering (Gregor's) room, and he often heard them expressing their appreciation of his sister's activities..." (16) Grete gained more respect from her parents because of this and from being dead weight; she became the provider of the family. She also changed emotionally because of Gregor's actions. Grete has always been a loving sister towards Gregor but his actions ushered her to feel hatred towards him. She became really angry at Gregor because the only time she can showcase her talents, Gregor was discovered by the lodgers and "(the lodgers) apparently found Gregor more entertaining that the violin playing." (27) In rage, Grete finally voiced out her opinion on sending Gregor away. This shows Grete's resentment towards her brother. The love she had became hate and she started seeing Gregor as a burden in their life. Through the story, Grete has also changed physically. As said in the final passages of the story "... it struck both Mr. and Mrs. Samsa, almost at the same moment, as they became aware of their daughter's increasing vivacity... she had bloomed into a pretty girl with a good figure." (32) Because of Gregor's metamorphosis, she had to mature. She's not a little girl anymore but rather a woman.

Not only Grete had to work after Gregor's metamorphosis but also their father. Over the whole novella, Gregor's father has changed into a different man and this is through his characteristics and way of life. Mr. Samsa retired at an early age but when their savings could not sustain them any longer, he went back