Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis Essay In Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”, the central theme is the change that happens to not only the main character, Gregor Samsa, but his family. The book begins when Gregor wakes up as an atrocious, giant bug. This sets up the rest of the story’s plot and emphasizes the Kafkaesque Image. The Kafkaesque Image is described as a nightmare, or very disturbing. Gregor waking up as a beetle falls into this category. Kafka convinces the readers that Gregor undergoes the biggest transformation, however he actually changes the least out of his family. Gregor’s personality stays the same throughout the novella. Gregor continues to care for his sister and parents even after they abuse and mistreat him due to his physical appearance.

Samsa importunes that Gregor opens the door, however as soon as he does, Mrs. Samsa screams and back away from the door. From that point on, she seems to be scared of Gregor and rarely goes to his room to see him. In chapter two, she sees him a second time, when she and Grete, his sister, are clearing out Gregor’s room. On page 29 Kafka writes, ““Oh God, oh God!” Arms outstretched, she fell onto the couch as if she had given up everything and stayed there immobile” (Kafka 29). Mrs. Samsa seems timorous towards Gregor and faints once she sees Gregor, proving that she has changed because she is terrified of her own

Once Gregor transforms to a beetle, Grete provides him with food, and takes care of him. In chapter two, readers see Grete spend time in Gregor’s room, and when she sees that Gregor’s furniture is impeding with Gregor’s daily activities, she comes to the conclusion that removing his furniture would be best for him. However, in chapter two we see Grete slowly start to change. She seems a little scared of being alone with her brother. As the story continues, we see Grete spending less time with Gregor. In chapter three, Gregor expresses his thoughts about his and his family’s new life. Kafka writes, “Who, in this tired and overworked family, would have time to give more attention to Gregor than was absolutely necessary?” (Kafka 33). At the beginning of chapter three, Kafka finally reveals all of the changes within their family. This is when readers notice that Gregor’s family has gone from superiors in their homes, to prisoners. Gregor feels as if he has ruined his family’s happiness due to his transformation, and Gregor loses his happiness after his family neglects