Kafka´s The Metamorphosis

Samsa takes this role as a function to forbid Gregor to take any step to attempt to be human-like. Firstly, Mr. Samsa is the direct reason for Gregor’s alienation. Gregor says “[i]f I didn’t hold back for my parents’ sake, I would’ve quit ages ago” (Kafka 5). Mr. Samsa is the reason that Gregor works in order to pay off his father’s debt which is the prevailing reason for his isolation from society in the first place. Not only is it clear that Mr. Samsa’s despicable nature comes to life from placing his debt on Gregor, he also lacks gratitude for all of Gregor’s devotion to his work.

Many views of existentialism are exposed in Kafka's Metamorphosis. One of these main views is alienation or estrangement which is demonstrated by Gregor's relationship with his family, his social life, and the way he lives his life after the metamorphosis. Namely, it suggests that man is reduced to an insect by the modern world and his family; human nature is completely self absorbed. Kafka reflects a belief that the more generous and selfless one is, the worse one is treated. This view is in direct conflict with the way things should be; man, specifically Gregor should be treated in accordance to his actions.

Metamorphosis of the Family in Kafka's Metamorphosis In Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis, the nature of Gregor Samsa's reality changes insignificantly in spite of his drastic physical changes. Gregor's life before the metamorphosis was limited to working and caring for his family. As a traveling salesman, Gregor worked long, hard hours that left little time to experience "life." He reflects on his life acknowledging the "plague of traveling: the anxieties of changing trains, the irregular, inferior meals, the ever changing faces, never to be seen again, people with whom one has no chance to be friendly" (Kafka 13). Gregor, working to pay off his family's debt, has resigned himself to a life full of work.

This shows that Mr. Samsa treats Gregor brutally, and rather than understanding him, he intends on pushing Gregor to the limit. Also, he resembles an ill-tempered human as numerous things bother him. Similarly, within Kafka’s life he underwent abuse and regularly got yelled at as a young boy and viewed as a sinking ship (Stephens). In addition, his father set certain expectations for Kafka which he desired him to fulfill. Gregor represents the only source of income in the family.

Creature or Doormat is He Gregor Samsa is a faithful son and brother, who only wishes to help his family. He works for a company that his father had managed to fall in debt with. So Gregor works hard trying to keep his family in a somewhat lavish life all while paying off his fathers debt with his boss/company. Until one day Gregor wakes up only to discover that he is no longer the man he was nor would see his life in the same way. Gregor begins to see his family in a new light, how greedy and selfish they are, along with how he was walked all over by both his family and boss, then Gregor discovers that now that he has become a burden and not a provider his family is no longer loving towards his.

Gregor’s insignificant and outcast lifestyle of supporting his family proves that “the universe is irrational, and man’s place in it is absurd.” This is proven by the fact that Gregor is working to pay off his father’s debts and provide for his family. His work is mundane, and strictly business. Yet, when the metamorphosis of Gregor takes place, his family practically shuns him from their contact. Still however, Gregor’s first thoughts after believing that he is an insect, are to get dressed and go to work. This attitude is seemingly absurd, however Gregor is so deep into trying to help his family, that he makes an attempt at ignoring the impossibility of working.

As “his head involuntarily sank down altogether” (Kafka 49), his destruction as a human is determined. Kafka reveals to readers the process of Gregor’s self-destruction throughout the story. Some would argue that the story begins with a climax, which is most biggest sacrifice Gregor made: He is transformed into “an enormous bug” (Kafka 11). As he did not make sacrifices to the family, he is still considered as an individual with all the human attributes as the rising action develops. He is able to think logically; there is a detachment between his bug body and human mind, as “each time he rock[s] back into the supine position” (Kafka 11) when he wants to move.

He could never admit that he was not a good salesman. So convinced, Mr. Loman was sure that he could advance in his profession and cease traveling to proceed business close to his home. When his dream ended worse than expected, Willy Loman felt that he was a man of absolute failure. Not only were Willy’s failures in his work place adding up, but the management of his household was placing a burden upon him too. Willy always had to pay for repairs, such as the mortgage, the insurance, and other bills.

The reason his family continually is discontented with Gregor is, the reason he never meets the expectations that they he should pay off the family debt and stabilize the family with his hard work; the fact that his bug form enables him to support his family they no longer deem him a burden. No matter what Gregor does to get his family’s approval, it either leaves him depressed because he isn’t being authentic or his family is upset that he doesn’t support them. Either way Gregor sways, authentic or inauthentic, Gregor and his family are displeased. Word Count: 1,293 Works Cited Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis.

The audience is not told how the transformation happened or why; the event just happens unexpectedly. His life should have turned upside down bu... ... middle of paper ... ...d talked about the economic benefits they will have now that Gregor is dead. Since he became unable to work, Gregor had appeared worthless to his family and wasn’t missed, in the end. Gregor’s family loved him while he was an asset, but they despised him when he was a burden. When people lose value as laborers, they begin to lose value as a whole person, too.