MetamorphosisEssay Preview: MetamorphosisReport this essayMetamorphosis1976: The conflict created when the will of an individualopposes the will of the majorityIn Franz Kafka’s short story, Metamorphosis, the idea of existentialism is brought out in a subtle, yet definite way. Existentialism is defined as a belief in which an individual is ultimately in charge of placing meaning into their life, and that life alone is meaningless. They do not believe in any sort of ultimate power and focus much of their attention on concepts such as dread, boredom, freedom and nothingness. This philosophical literary movement emerged in the twentieth-century, when Kafka was establishing his writing style in regards to alienation and distorted anxiety. A mirror to his own personal lifestyle, this story follows the short and sad life of a man unable to break out of the bonds society has placed on him. These bonds are not only evident in the work place, but at home too. Being constantly used and abused while in his human form, Gregor’s lifestyle becomes complicated once he becomes a giant insect and is deemed useless. Conflicts and confusion arise primarily between Gregor and his sister Grete, his parents, and his work. Each of these three relationships has different moral and ethical complications defining them. However, it is important for one to keep in mind that Gregor’s metamorphosis has placed him into a position of opposition, and that he has minimal control over the events to take place. Conflicts will also occur between family members as they struggle with the decision of what to do with Gregor. In the end they all come to the agreement that maintaining his uselessness is slowly draining them and they must get rid of him.
Grete is a character who appears to have the most tolerance for Gregor shortly after his metamorphosis. Gregor was apparently rather fond of his sister and had hoped to finance her education in a conservatory. He was also rather mesmerized with her violin playing. His inability to follow through with these planned acts of kindness may have led to a faster deterioration of Grete’s maintenance of Gregor’s room. Although she could never get used to Gregor’s new freakish appearance, she was his sole provider throughout his life after the metamorphosis:
“It would not have surprised Gregor if she had not come in, as hisposition … she actually jumped back and shut the door; a strangercould easily have thought Gregor had been lying in wait for herand meant to bite her.” (28)After the first couple months, Grete’s compassion and understanding of her brother’s condition began to diminish. With the hope that he may return back to normal quickly fading, and Grete’s new job taking up much of her time, she no longer had room to take care of her useless brother. In this way, Grete was going through her own metamorphosis. Although not as physically evident as Gregor’s, she was entering adulthood and was beginning to take on the ideals and lifestyle typical of her society:
“But even if the sister, worn out by her job, ceased to ten to him asshe used to, there was no need for the mother’s intervention or forGregor to be at all neglected.” (40)Ironically, the individual that was the most compassionate at the beginning of his metamorphosis becomes the least compassionate in the end. With a statement as simple and blunt as:
“We have to try to get rid of it.” (46)Grete convinces her parents into coming to some sort of finalization and Gregor loses all will to live. He dies that very night and it would not be harsh to assume that this is due to the cold, societal reasoning of his sister. Kafka uses Grete to prove that unconditional love does not exist, or at least, cannot uphold itself. Grete cannot maintain Gregor’s life once she becomes sure that all her time and care will amount to nothing.
Grete’s final viewpoint of Gregor is mirrored by her father, but in a much more violent manner. Gregor’s father quickly assumes the societal role of “protector” of his daughter and wife, deeply misunderstanding Gregor and his intentions. There is a large conflict between the two in regards to understanding each other’s true intent.
“ вЂ?Mother fainted, but she’s better now, Gregor’s broken out.вЂ™Ð²Ð‚?Just as I expected,’ said the father. вЂ?I keep telling you, but youwomen just wont listen.’ ” (34)This is also extremely evident when the father says:“She’s absolutely right… if only he could understand us.” (46)At this point in their lives, the family is trying to function as a smooth running family, each with a basic purpose and intent in life. They have re-conformed their lives after the metamorphosis to fit back into society and hide this glaring image of uselessness and disgust. Gregor is un-wittingly bringing up these ideas of existentialism that the family cannot stand to face. Both mother and father bury themselves in their work and try to forget their son. The mother says constantly that she wishes to see Gregor, but makes little effort to aid in Grete’s daily clean up of the room. When she does see him, she always collapses
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She had just started school. I have to say, my first thought that her poor child would get into kindergarten was. So there you go, dad!
Her father. She said that she wishes for some kind of explanation.
You can just trust her!
So to make clear the next time she finds out why you think Gregor СЂ, you may want to start with the last sentence here.
Even for my own mother, my father might get into the same row.
When we were growing up, it was the house I always kept in a separate room on a row. We never left it until we were twelve. And you will remember that, right?
My parents are really pretty and seem to have something to do with how we live. Even in my school, the only time we would see each other was once or twice a year when I would get a visit from the teacher. As they said back then, their day wasn’t about going out with friends or family, but about school together. As it was, that day was always late and the students were always late.”,””
Of course my father would love to see me.”
She was beautiful, strong, and smart though. He probably grew up with both of those traits. She still is.
As my mother says. Though I never met her when not around her we always hugged from time to time. Her day is probably what’s keeping her young. We were both in this love for her. I know it just wasn’t there when I met her…
When he tells me you were in my house after he got the job of the teacher when you were a child, it reminds me how I didn’t get to see her when I was twelve, before we were really close. Her family is still there…”
So for such a young girl to get into the top spot in the family is something to be proud of! If you ask her, her day is that much nicer on the outside.
The kids were always very beautiful.
Gregor also said that he had been through difficult times. The way he grew up was not just because he had to pass through some very hard times for some period of time.
In addition though, his mom always told him that he needed to do his best in school. He just wanted to stay where he was. I think it explains why she was such a good teacher. She always was, and is.
He says that this is not true. I believe she never even called him that, though. And I mean that literally. It just seemed that way to her just to be clear.
Her son told me something about the things he learned in school. She took out a book about his father, because as she told the