Metamorphosis follows Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up transformed into a giant insect. The novella explores themes of alienation, family dynamics, and identity as Gregor's transformation affects his relationships with his family. Kafka's work delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by Gregor as he grapples with his new reality. As his family struggles to cope with his condition, the story highlights their gradual shift from concern to resentment. This classic text serves as a profound commentary on the human condition and societal expectations.

Key Points

  • Explores the themes of alienation and identity through Gregor Samsa's transformation.
  • Examines family dynamics as Gregor's condition affects his relationships with his parents and sister.
  • Highlights the psychological turmoil experienced by Gregor as he confronts his new reality.
  • Demonstrates the shift from familial concern to resentment as Gregor's situation deteriorates.
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41 pages
Literature
newtopiccyclegrowin
41 pages
Literature
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The metamorphosis
Franz kafka
I
One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself
transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. He lay on his armour-like back, and
if he lifted his head a little he could see his brown belly, slightly domed and
divided by arches into stiff sections. The bedding was hardly able to cover it and
seemed ready to slide off any moment. His many legs, pitifully thin compared with
the size of the rest of him, waved about helplessly as he looked.
"What's happened to me?" he thought. It wasn't a dream. His room, a proper human
room although a little too small, lay peacefully between its four familiar walls. A
collection of textile samples lay spread out on the table - Samsa was a travelling
salesman - and above it there hung a picture that he had recently cut out of an
illustrated magazine and housed in a nice, gilded frame. It showed a lady fitted out
with a fur hat and fur boa who sat upright, raising a heavy fur muff that covered
the whole of her lower arm towards the viewer.
Gregor then turned to look out the window at the dull weather. Drops of rain could
be heard hitting the pane, which made him feel quite sad. "How about if I sleep a
little bit longer and forget all this nonsense", he thought, but that was something he
was unable to do because he was used to sleeping on his right, and in his present
state couldn't get into that position. However hard he threw himself onto his right,
he always rolled back to where he was. He must have tried it a hundred times, shut
his eyes so that he wouldn't have to look at the floundering legs, and only stopped
when he began to feel a mild, dull pain there that he had never felt before.
"Oh, God", he thought, "what a strenuous career it is that I've chosen! Travelling
day in and day out. Doing business like this takes much more effort than doing
your own business at home, and on top of that there's the curse of travelling,
worries about making train connections, bad and irregular food, contact with
different people all the time so that you can never get to know anyone or become
friendly with them. It can all go to Hell!" He felt a slight itch up on his belly;
pushed himself slowly up on his back towards the headboard so that he could lift
his head better; found where the itch was, and saw that it was covered with lots of
little white spots which he didn't know what to make of; and when he tried to feel
the place with one of his legs he drew it quickly back because as soon as he
touched it he was overcome by a cold shudder.
He slid back into his former position. "Getting up early all the time", he thought,
"it makes you stupid. You've got to get enough sleep. Other travelling salesmen
live a life of luxury. For instance, whenever I go back to the guest house during the
morning to copy out the contract, these gentlemen are always still sitting there
eating their breakfasts. I ought to just try that with my boss; I'd get kicked out on
the spot. But who knows, maybe that would be the best thing for me. If I didn't
have my parents to think about I'd have given in my notice a long time ago, I'd
have gone up to the boss and told him just what I think, tell him everything I
would, let him know just what I feel. He'd fall right off his desk! And it's a funny
sort of business to be sitting up there at your desk, talking down at your
subordinates from up there, especially when you have to go right up close because
the boss is hard of hearing. Well, there's still some hope; once I've got the money
together to pay off my parents' debt to him - another five or six years I suppose -
that's definitely what I'll do. That's when I'll make the big change. First of all
though, I've got to get up, my train leaves at five."
And he looked over at the alarm clock, ticking on the chest of drawers. "God in
Heaven!" he thought. It was half past six and the hands were quietly moving
forwards, it was even later than half past, more like quarter to seven. Had the alarm
clock not rung? He could see from the bed that it had been set for four o'clock as it
should have been; it certainly must have rung. Yes, but was it possible to quietly
sleep through that furniture-rattling noise? True, he had not slept peacefully, but
probably all the more deeply because of that. What should he do now? The next
train went at seven; if he were to catch that he would have to rush like mad and the
collection of samples was still not packed, and he did not at all feel particularly
fresh and lively. And even if he did catch the train he would not avoid his boss's
anger as the office assistant would have been there to see the five o'clock train go,
he would have put in his report about Gregor's not being there a long time ago. The
office assistant was the boss's man, spineless, and with no understanding. What
about if he reported sick? But that would be extremely strained and suspicious as
in fifteen years of service Gregor had never once yet been ill. His boss would
certainly come round with the doctor from the medical insurance company, accuse
his parents of having a lazy son, and accept the doctor's recommendation not to
make any claim as the doctor believed that no-one was ever ill but that many were
workshy. And what's more, would he have been entirely wrong in this case?
Gregor did in fact, apart from excessive sleepiness after sleeping for so long, feel
completely well and even felt much hungrier than usual.
He was still hurriedly thinking all this through, unable to decide to get out of the
bed, when the clock struck quarter to seven. There was a cautious knock at the
door near his head. "Gregor", somebody called - it was his mother - "it's quarter to
seven. Didn't you want to go somewhere?" That gentle voice! Gregor was shocked
when he heard his own voice answering, it could hardly be recognised as the voice
he had had before. As if from deep inside him, there was a painful and
uncontrollable squeaking mixed in with it, the words could be made out at first but
then there was a sort of echo which made them unclear, leaving the hearer unsure
whether he had heard properly or not. Gregor had wanted to give a full answer and
explain everything, but in the circumstances contented himself with saying: "Yes,
mother, yes, thank-you, I'm getting up now." The change in Gregor's voice
probably could not be noticed outside through the wooden door, as his mother was
satisfied with this explanation and shuffled away. But this short conversation made
the other members of the family aware that Gregor, against their expectations was
still at home, and soon his father came knocking at one of the side doors, gently,
but with his fist. "Gregor, Gregor", he called, "what's wrong?" And after a short
while he called again with a warning deepness in his voice: "Gregor! Gregor!" At
the other side door his sister came plaintively: "Gregor? Aren't you well? Do you
need anything?" Gregor answered to both sides: "I'm ready, now", making an effort
to remove all the strangeness from his voice by enunciating very carefully and
putting long pauses between each, individual word. His father went back to his
breakfast, but his sister whispered: "Gregor, open the door, I beg of you." Gregor,
however, had no thought of opening the door, and instead congratulated himself
for his cautious habit, acquired from his travelling, of locking all doors at night
even when he was at home.
The first thing he wanted to do was to get up in peace without being disturbed, to
get dressed, and most of all to have his breakfast. Only then would he consider
what to do next, as he was well aware that he would not bring his thoughts to any
sensible conclusions by lying in bed. He remembered that he had often felt a slight
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FAQs

What happens to Gregor Samsa in Metamorphosis?
Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. This shocking change leads to a profound exploration of his identity and the impact on his family. Initially, his family attempts to care for him, but as time passes, they become increasingly distressed and resentful of his condition. Gregor's transformation symbolizes the alienation and isolation that can occur within familial relationships, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.
What themes are explored in Kafka's Metamorphosis?
Metamorphosis delves into several profound themes, including alienation, identity, and the human condition. Gregor's transformation serves as a metaphor for the feelings of isolation and disconnection that can arise in modern society. The novella also examines the dynamics of family relationships, particularly how love can turn into resentment when faced with hardship. Additionally, Kafka critiques societal expectations and the pressures of conformity, showcasing the struggle between individual desires and familial obligations.
How does Gregor's family react to his transformation?
Initially, Gregor's family expresses concern for his well-being after his transformation. However, as time progresses and the burden of caring for him becomes overwhelming, their attitude shifts. They begin to view Gregor as a source of shame and a financial liability, leading to feelings of resentment and hostility. This transformation in their perception highlights the fragility of familial bonds when faced with adversity and the impact of societal pressures on personal relationships.
What is the significance of Gregor's final moments?
In his final moments, Gregor Samsa experiences a profound sense of despair and isolation. His family's rejection culminates in his death, which symbolizes the ultimate consequence of alienation and the loss of identity. Kafka uses Gregor's demise to critique societal indifference towards those who are marginalized or deemed burdensome. This poignant conclusion serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in the face of suffering.
What literary techniques does Kafka use in Metamorphosis?
Kafka employs various literary techniques in Metamorphosis, including surrealism and symbolism. The surreal transformation of Gregor into an insect serves as a powerful symbol of alienation and identity crisis. Kafka's use of a first-person narrative allows readers to intimately experience Gregor's thoughts and feelings, enhancing the emotional impact of his plight. Additionally, the novella's concise and stark prose reflects the absurdity of Gregor's situation, contributing to the overall sense of unease and existential questioning.

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