Franz Kafka's Metamorphoses Essay

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In Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphoses, Gregor Samsa’s initial transformation produces a number of noticeable effects both on himself and the family. First, roles are soon exchanged, as Gregor’s transformation allows him to abandon his responsibility as the “bread-winner” and supporter of his family. Gregor’s father now returns to his former position as head of the household, Grete acquires a job as a salesgirl, and even Mrs. Samsa begins to sow lingerie for a clothing store. Thus, Gregor ultimately avenges his family’s initial parasitism by turning himself into a parasite. The effect of Gregor’s metamorphoses has also affected his food preferences as he no longer enjoys milk, which in fact used to be his favorite drink. His tastes have instead become more insect-like as he…show more content…
Although Gregor knew the consequences of leaving his room, and how this might jeopardize the family’s situation, “it hardly surprised him that lately he was showing so little consideration for the others; once such consideration had been his greatest pride” (35). Gregor gets caught, and the gentlemen, upset for having been lied to, demand free rent. Grete, clearly upset by the situation, attests that the family must “try to get rid of it” (37). At this point in the book, by calling Gregor it instead of him, Grete no longer views Gregor as her brother, but instead as an object or thing. In turn, this signifies that the level of inconsideration by both Gregor and the family has reached its epitome in the novel. Thus, because this element of inconsideration appears constantly throughout the novel, it is perhaps the most noticeable by-product or effect of Gregor’s metamorphoses. Yet, there is also a noticeable change of Gregor’s role in the family as a result of his

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