Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is an endearing tale of Gregor who transforms into a gigantic insect. The physical transformation however merely reflects his inner state

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a heart-wrenching tale of a young man named Gregor Samsa who works so hard as a traveling salesman to be able to provide for his family only to find himself sidelined by a strange tragedy.

Summary

One morning, Gregor wakes up and sees that he is no longer a man but metamorphosed into a gigantic vermin probably a roach. Surprisingly, the first thing that comes to his mind is not his condition but his work as he laments “ how am I going to work?”

Gregor consciously resists the recognition of his plight. His family is shocked with the transformation. They shut Gregor in his room and provide him with food and water daily. His sister Grete and mother would avoid him as much as possible. His father pelted him with apples. One apple got stuck in his back , causing an infection.

Gregor experiences alienation from them. The most telling line of the story is when he hears his sister playing the violin. He wants so much to tell Grete that he plans to send her to the conservatory to study violin but he hears her say referring to him, “We must try to get rid of it. We've done everything humanly possible to take care of it and to put up with it, no one can reproach us in the slightest .

Gregor goes back to his room upon hearing this. He loses his desire to live and he perishes. The family feels relieved upon seeing his corpse. The novella ends with Gregor’s parents taking note of Grete and realizing that she has become a "good looking, shapely" girl who will soon be old enough to marry.”

Analysis of the Story

Metamorphosis is an allegory to Gregor's struggles in life. He makes uncommon sacrifices to provide for his family. So much so that he practically turns into a bug long before the physical transformation begins.

Gregor complains when he discovers his plight which indicates that he thinks his transformation is a nightmare that he can just wish away. Despite his pitiable condition, he still manages to think of work and his family.

When Gregor metamorphosed into an insect he becomes a burden to his family. He no longer serves a purpose to his parents since his transformation forces him to stay in his room. His value is equated to his ability to care for his family. And since he is no longer capable of doing so, he is ignored. After Gregor died, the family feels free of the burden of looking after him. The parents then turn their attention to Grete whom they believe they could exploit to provide for their whims.

The Metamorphosis is probably a satirical indictment of the bourgeois society and its unreasonable demands. It could also be Gregor's feelings of alienation and unspoken needs which were crushed by authority and the monotony of the daily grind. Gregor's metamorphosis illustrates the fact of how low he has allowed himself to deteriorate. He reduces himself to a state at par with the insects, incapable of having a voice and exercising his choices as a human being.