Introduction
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a brief story divided into three parts. At the story’s beginning, Gregor is transformed into an insect while lying in bed, having overslept. Gregor was thinking about his work as a travelling salesman, and now he was late. After a while, his mother called to check on him, but Gregor couldn’t reply because his body was different.
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
When his family discovered his condition, they were traumatised, especially the feminine side. Gregor’s father was struck and didn’t even want to go near his son. The hard-working person on whom the whole family depended was now dead, and there was nothing they could do except face the reality of the situation.
1. Change
Gregor stayed in the room for the rest of his life, burdening the family. His transformation was not only physical but mental. He was also changed; he liked the awful stuff to eat, and the thought of the food he used to enjoy disgusted him.
“I only fear danger where I want to fear it.”
Because of the family’s lack of income, Gregor’s family worked to make ends meet, especially his sister, who was utterly transformed into the role Gregor had once played when he was human.
2. Affect
After several days, Gregor had become a burden on his family; he even scared the people who rented their place to stay. Somewhere, Gregor realised he was a liability to the family, and this was too much for him; sooner or later, his demise was inevitable.
“Calm —indeed the calmest— reflection might be better than the most confused decisions”
In the third and last part of the book, Gregor dies in his room, and his condition is like that of an insect struggling to breathe. His family was relieved, and his sister began her life and married off to a better place.
3. Change is the Beginning
Metamorphosis describes the change in the story’s central character, Gregor. At the same time, Gregor’s sister also transformed into a different human being who takes on the responsibility Gregory used to play before his transformation. The pattern is similar to a never-ending event in people’s lives, transforming them into different personalities.
“What’s happened to me,’ he thought. It was no dream.”
Final Thoughts on Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka tells the story of Gregor, who awakens one day transformed into an insect. This physical change leads to profound psychological shifts. Thus, alienating him from his family, particularly his mother and father, who react with shock and horror.