Gregor Samsa is the protagonist who undergoes metamorphosis by transforming into an insect. This short story can be defined as a polysemic text that is interested in various understandings. Nina Pelikan Straus critic essay “Transforming Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis” shows how Gregor isn't interested in his surroundings, because he is an insect which resulted in him becoming dehumanized. Kafkas “Metamorphosis” is showing that because of Gregor's transformation he strives and cares for his surroundings even more since he realizes what his life has finally come to be. Gregor as an insect is just showing that his humanity cannot be perceived by his surroundings.
Gregor soon realizes that his bug-like physique is going to prevent him from completing his daily activities; some as simple as sleeping. Gregor’s transformation into an insect is one of the most shocking metamorphosis’ experienced in the entire novella. The absurdity that a grown man can physically change into a bug overnight provides a shock factor and initiates the plot of the novella. By transforming into a bug, Gregor is the first example of a metamorphosis. As a result of Gregor’s physical metamorphosis, he also succumbs to a psychological transformation the longer he lives in his insect body.
Many people believe that Gregor transformed into a cockroach, while others believe that he may be some other type of insect. However, it is clear that Gregor has been transformed into a repulsive, disgusting creature. However, Kafka creates the impression that Gregor is a vile creature indirectly by using the reactions of those around him. One example that is presented early in the story is when the Deputy Director arrives at the Samsa household to inquire as to why Gregor did not show up for work. Gregor, having recently undergone the metamorphosis, is in his room, adjusting to his new body.
In Dunn’s article the passage in which I learned something new is in page 279 where he states that, his friend and his team had discovered antibiotic resistant bacteria in flies that flock around pig farms. Dunn overlooks the nuances of the study; perhaps the actual numbers and types of test done, for the benefit of the non scientific reader to understand the magnitude of the issue. 2. The role of questions in Dunn’s article is to persuade the reader into thinking their own role or responsibility in the behavior of flies. The first question he poses is; “Just where do houseflies pick-up these other bacteria, the one they give back to us in vomit spot, feces and footsteps?” This question is central to his main idea.
The Metamorphosis is a novella written by Franz Kafka in 1912. The main character, Gregor, who experiences metamorphosis, is victimized throughout the remainder of his life as an insect. Although it was not his fault initially to become a vermin, he deals with it the best he possibly could; however, his family did not. As Gregor is growing more isolated from the household, the better off he is. He psychologically distances himself from others, hides underneath his couch, and hopes he would somehow reverse the metamorphosis and go to his old self.
Whereas, Gregor's character shows the transformation of his body into an insect at the start of the story. It ... ... middle of paper ... ...or was upset from their life and the story was related to the real life story (Kim 93). The actual "blues" he played through the piano, was him releasing those inner devils hidden inside him from his life and live happily (Schachtel). Whereas, "metamorphosis" represented the Gregor changes into an insect, but he remained same from the mind. Therefore, both the story tells that every person has some hidden darkness in them.
I felt The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, proved to be an excellent science fiction writer through the use of details. “His many legs, wretchedly thin compared to his overall girth, danced helplessly before his eyes” (p. 1641); this is just one of many example that Kafka uses detail to help the reader visualize Gregor as an insect. Overall this story provides ideas and activities of society during the late 1800’s and modern day life still today. Because of pressure from society and our families we tend to mistreat those around us.
The Metamorphosis a novella written by Franz Kafkas has many symbolic aspects. It is the story of a travelling salesman who is tired of his job and suffers a major transformation into a vermin, it being the main symbol. There are many meanings behind his metamorphosis which symbolize: exploitation, wishful thinking and escapism. Firstly, Gregor’s transformation into a bug symbolizes exploitation. He transforms into an insect which are usually known to be walked all over and mistreated.
Works of fiction can be told from the point of view of one of the characters, that means first person narration or it can be told by the author as narrator, that would mean third person narration. Most of the time, when the author is telling the story, he tries not to be perceived or to be noticed as less as possible. There is an exception to this rule called “the intrusive narrator”. This narrator addresses the reader and talks about issues concerning the narration. He tries to make his presence visible.
In the world of science, there is a phrase that states “structure determines function”. I found that Kafka demonstrates this quite well throughout his stories. In “Metamorphosis” the audience is introduced to the life of Gregor who “found himself changed into a monstrous cockroach in his bed” (87). Anthropomorphism gives Gregor a disconnection of harmony between his mind and his body. Although he is an insect we, as an audience, are able to make an odd connection with Gregor.