The Metamorphosis Analysis

Throughout Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” the character of Gregor Samsa undergoes drastic changes, as does his family, both physical and mental. To that effect, the term used in the title, metamorphosis, can be applied not only to Gregor – who is certainly the most obvious – but also to his family at large. Despite these challenges faced by this family, however, Gregor himself seems to maintain some semblance of humanity right to the very end, perhaps even more-so than those who had remained physically human.

It’s made quite clear at the opening of the story that despite Gregor’s drastic transformation, his mind reminds much the same. Some of the first thoughts of his that we’re presented with – aside from the shock of having turned into a giant bug, of course – revolve around his concern with how he’s going to get to work, so he can continue to support his family. As if to emphasize this, Kafka describes Gregor’s struggle to then get himself out of bed, a struggling resulting from his now unfamiliar body. Upon managing to open the door, however, he is greeted by his father’s newspaper, used as a means to shoo Gregor back into his room and out of sight. As if this were not cruel enough, Gregor goes so far as to make excuses on his father’s behalf, divulging a sense of understanding as to why he would behave in such a cruel manner.

As time moves on, Gregor’s transformation begins to affect his basic instincts. He finds that milk, which had initially been his favorite drink, was no longer appealing to his taste; to compliment this, he finds he prefers old and moldy kitchen scraps to fresh food. Noticing his sister, Grete, now acting as his caretaker, and taking note of his parents concerns over finances now that Gregor can no...

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...o even more strongly than his sister…”

Shortly after, Gregor takes his last breath. It’s more than obvious that this is an act of self-sacrifice; Gregor succumbed to his own injuries and exhaustion by sheer force of will, recognizing that for his family to reinvigorate themselves, he must no longer be in the picture. His sacrifice, thankfully, proves not to be in vein, as only shortly afterward we are shown the same family – sans Gregor – but with a totally new air of success and overall wellness.

‘The Metamorphosis’ is a unique tale in that it has many layers and many potential meanings behind its words, some of which perhaps Kafka had never intended. But of all these, one that particularly stands out is the strength and compassion of a true human spirit shining within Gregor; as well as the folly of the human spirit, and its growth via the downfall of another.