Transformation In Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis

When thinking about transformation in The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, the reader’s first thought is Gregor Samsa’s transformation from human to insect, but Kafka’s changing descriptions of Gregor’s father, and sister leads the reader to believe they also go through a metamorphosis just as significant as Gregor. Although Gregor’s transformation ultimately leads to his death, it changes the rest of his family for the better. His father and sister both step up to support the family. “Gregor’s metamorphosis was necessary for his freedom, as his death was necessary for the family’s freedom.” (McCarty.60-61) Before Gregor’s transformation, he was the soul provider for the family. “If I didn’t have my parents to think about I’d have given in my notice a long time ago, I’d have gone up to the boss and told him just what I think, tell him everything I would, let him know just what I feel.”(Kafka. ). Once a businessman himself, the father no longer works. His father became comfortable in his position of not working. Gregor’s family relied on him almost completely.

The father sees Gregor as a threat and uses him to reassert himself into the family. Now, the father "held himself erect, dressed in a tight blue uniform with gold buttons, like that of a bank messenger; his double chin bulged over the high stuff collar of his jacket . . . from under his busy eyebrows his alert black eyes flashed penetratingly”(Kafka. ). The father found strength and control. He was forced to stop relying on Gregor and become independent to provide for the