Running Themes
What is a running theme in Metamorphosis? Please provide evidence.
The concept of humanity
"...Kafka presents Mr. Samsa as a man so utterly controlled by the obligations of his life that his own identity-- to the point of his very being as a human-- became lost in the mix."
What does the destruction of Gregor's room symbolize? Please provide evidence.
It symbolizes the removal of humanity from his life.
" But these comings and goings... the scarping of the furniture along the floor was, as he soon had to admit, like a huge rumpus pouring in on all sides."
How does Gregors father shift between Chapter One and Chapter Two? Provide evidence.
He switches from a reliant figure to a renewed bread winner.
"From under his bushy eyebrows, the black eyes gazed fresh and alert; the once disheveled hair was now glossy, combed down, and meticulously parted."
How is Metamorphosis considered an allegorical novel? Please provide evidence.
The vermin like creature that Gregor becomes represents the isolation and strangeness he felt in his life.
"Gregors transformation into an insect- and his ultimate decline into a subhuman creature- is an allegorical representation of the soul crushing and dehumanizing effects of modern life."
How does Kafka incorporate the theme of family trauma into Metamorphosis? Please provide evidence.
He incorporates it through the rejection of his father.
"Kafka felt a strong "'sense of person weakness and failure,'" and resented his day job as a lawyer and as a bureaucrat."
"... with her hand clutching the back of the father's head, she begged him to spare Gregor's life."
What does the throwing of apple symbolize for Gregor? Please provide evidence.
" Rejection and violent erupt of family bond."
" Another one, however, promptly following it, actually dug right into his back... yet he felt nailed to the spot and so he stretched out with all his senses in utter derangement."
What is Grete's disposition towards Gregor? Please provide evidence.
"She brought him a whole array of food, all spread out on an old newspaper."
"Grete is initially Gregors main ally. Though repulsed by Gregors appearance, she is the first to attempt to care for him, perhaps owing to their closeness prior to transformation."
How is imagery utilized throughout the novel? Please provide evidence.
Kafka utilizes it to help us interpret specific portions of the story.
" So for amusement, he got into the habit of prowling criss-cross over the walls and ceiling."
"... Upon glimpsing even the tiny scrap of his body that protruded from under the settee."
Isolation is a key theme in this novel, please provide evidence.
" Kafka viewed himself as a grotesque alien creature, distant from his family..."
"Since nobody would be visiting Gregor until morning, he had lot's of time to reflect undisturbed..."
What does the picture on the wall symbolize? Please provide evidence.
It was his last hold on his identity.
"He clung to his picture, refusing to surrender it. He would rather jump into grete's face."
"By clinging to this image Gregor clings to his identity as a human, highlighting his emotional isolation."
Does Gregors mother grow in her acceptance for his condition? Please provide evidence.
Yes, she still momentarily views Gregor as his former self trying to sustain his room and belongings.
"I believe it would be best if we tried to keep the room just as it was, so that when Gregor comes back to us he will find that nothings been changed..."
Does the point of view contribute to the literary standpoint? Please provide evidence.
Yes it does, the evidence is below.
" The point of view closely follows Gregor in third person until his death, making him the character with whom readers most readily sympathize."