Introduction to Transformation in “The Metamorphosis”
Family is a microcosm experiencing transformation in “The Metamorphosis” representing different characters who witness a strange phenomenon and demonstrate reactions, ranging from initial love and care to extreme anger, and violence and then ostracizing the transformed individual. The major character Gregor sees himself transformed into an abominable vermin. This triggers further transformation in “The Metamorphosis” on minor scales, but these are the other transformations that take up more space than Gregor himself. Although the transformation in “The Metamorphosis”of Gregor is on a physical level, almost all other transformations are on a psychological and mental level. A person completely changes his character to suit the changing circumstances. Even sometimes, some reactions seem absurd, leading the readers to feel empathy with Gregor and wonder at the reactions of the same family members who, a month ago, used to consider him a pivot in the family. Therefore, this is not just a transformation of an individual but it is the transformation of the whole family. The story “The Metamorphosis” by Kafka presents this transformation of Mr. Gregor from a breadwinner to an abominable vermin, a burden on the family, innocent, childish, and perceptive Grete to an assertive head of the family, old Mr. Samsa to a violent old man, and a caring mother to a dependent and acquiesced, old woman, who consents to every proposal suggested for the supposed welfare of the family.
Gregor’s Transformation in “The Metamorphosis”
Gregor Samsa is a very responsible family member and a traveling salesman, living with his family in an apartment. The whole family depends on him but a sudden physical transformation of his body into a bug turns his whole plans upside down. His only reaction was “What happened to me?” (Kafka 318). His transformation into a vermin entails his whole physical transformation, his belly, his head, his legs, and even his sense of smell, but his thinking is the same. He still thinks about his hard work saying, “The next train left at seven” (319) but he also knows that he is unable to get up due to his transformed shape. His responsibility seems to dominate his thoughts more than his physical change. He has the same humanity that he used to harbor for his family members “If I did not have curb on my tongue because of my parents” (318) he would have left that job a long time ago. Even though he knows his problem, he does not think to fix it first but only thinks about his job, his position, and the condition of his parents in which they would find themselves after he is unable to work. He still thinks that his sister is more “perceptive” (320) and that only she has understood his condition even before opening the door. When they decide to remove furniture from his room, although he seems to feel comfortable in open movements, he still does not want to change his human habits but still prides himself on providing “his parents and his sister with such a life in a nice apartment” (328). Despite a highly critical situation, he maintains his calm and composure only to “help his family bear the burdens that his present condition had placed on them” (328). He knows that his family members are transforming and their attitude is quite telling in this connection. But he also knows that “they were surely suffering enough as it was” (329) only because of his transformation in “Metamorphosis”. However, he is surprised but this gradual transformation of his family members that even Grete, the most considerate one, says to her mother “I refuse to utter my brother”s name in the presence of this monster” (343). Yet, he stays the same and “recall[s] his family with deep emotion and love” (345) which shows his mental stability and love for the family until his death.
Physical Transformation in “Metamorphosis”
As far as Grete is concerned, she does not witness any transformation in “The Metamorphosis” on the physical level, but inwardly she changes a lot. She was highly “perceptive” (319) as Gregor says. Then she takes care of his food, his room, and the financial situation of the whole house. She takes up the responsibility of the entire family, shows sympathy with every other member, and starts earning. However, her inward transformation starts when she starts earning and it occurs to her that Gregor has become a burden to them. She has realized that he is creating problems for them and this transformation forces her to concoct some excuse to get rid of him. She says, “Dear parents, we cannot go on like this. Maybe you do not realize but I do. I refuse to utter my brother”s name in the presence of this monster” (343) which is a clear indication that now she is paving the way either to expel him or to kill. This excuse reaches the pinnacles when she finally declares that “I can”t stand it anymore either” (343). In fact, she has some finer prospects that could not have been fulfilled without this transformation. This was inevitable as she was to “find a good husband” (347).
Family Transformation in “The Metamorphosis”
The role of Mr. Samsa is, however, almost the same. Although he used to pay homage to Gregor in the beginning when he was not an insect, he changed into a violent person. He used to be a businessman but unfortunately faced severe losses and came under the debt of the company, Gregor is working for now. It seems that they are not on good terms with each other from the very start, but when Gregor transforms into an insect, “he began stamping his feet and waving cane” (326) to show his disgust and even “gave him a hard blow that was truly a deliverance” (328). When for the second time he had had a chance to look at him, he threw an apple and one of them hit “Gregor”s back” (338) which proved deadly and led him to suffer for several days. In fact, as everything was being done by Gregor, “they had gratefully accepted the money and he had given it gladly but no special warmth went with it” (330) and when he turned into an insect, he was tolerated for a few days, but then again there is no warmth. Therefore, his father turns against him.
Conclusion
In short, it is not the metamorphosis of Gregor alone, but it is the transformation in “The Metamorphosis” of his entire family except his mother who accepts fate. It is because she is dependent on others for everything. When she sees him, she is horrified and when she is told that the insect is not Gregor, she accepts it resignedly. Actually, it is the finances that work and Grete takes lead in this connection. When she becomes a responsible member of the family and everything falls on her shoulders, she thinks that if she is carrying on with it she will no longer have good prospects. Therefore, she makes up her mind to get rid of him by showing the reality to other family members and when all agree, her mental transformation is complete. It is another thing that Gregor still feels the same emotions and the same love for the family but he has lost his utility which is the impetus for utility.
Works Cited
Kafka, Franz. “The Metamorphosis.” An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing. Ed. Kennedy X. J. & Dana Gioia. 3rd ed. Vol. 10. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 318-343. Print.
Relevant Questions about Transformation in “The Metamorphosis”
- How does Gregor’s physical transformation in “The Metamorphosis” affect his relationships with his family members?
- What are the psychological and emotional transformations experienced by Gregor and his family throughout the story, and how do they contribute to the overall narrative?
- In “The Metamorphosis,” how does Gregor’s metamorphosis symbolize broader themes of alienation and isolation in society?