Comparing Kafka's Metamorphosis And The

When examining The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka and Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman, their titles and storylines bear no apparent connection. In The Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa, a quiet, travelling salesman is inexplicably transformed into a giant insect. The rest of the novella explores Gregor’s relationships with his parasitic family, reflections on life, and his perception of himself. Kafka powerfully depicts the extent humans go to, to provide for those they love, as well as what can happen when one does not pay attention to their own mental and physical needs. In Death and the Maiden, Paulina Salas’ life is turned upside down when her husband inadvertently invites the doctor, who brutally tortured and raped her during a time of political
In The Metamorphosis, Kafka uses meticulous descriptions to depict Gregor’s physical state. For example, “His many legs, pitifully thin compared with the size of the rest of him, were waving helplessly before his eyes.” (3) Though this is a horrible image, however the descriptions continue, and feelings of pity emerge from prior feelings of abhorrence. Similarly, in Death and the Maiden, the descriptions of Paulina’s own torture, as well as descriptions of her torturing Dr. Roberto Miranda are revolting at first, however her actions seem justifiable considering her situation. “I want him to confess. I want him to sit in front of that cassette recorder and tell me what he did…” (41) She was kidnapped, tortured, and raped, and her pent up anger, frustration and loathing were rehashed on
Gregor, due to his metamorphosis cannot speak to his family, an ability he lost in his transformation. It is mostly the narrator of the story informing the reader of the events that took place, Gregor’s feelings, as well as the reactions of his family and other characters. When Gregor speaks, which is not often, he seems to have a one-track mind, with rambling thoughts and general incoherency. He has an inner voice, but because of his inability to verbally communicate, he was unable to impart his needs to his family, while still being able to understand them. Gregor is forced to suffer and sacrifice his personal life and relationships for the sake of his demanding family and occupation, which causes the reader to pity him. “I’ve got the torture of... seeing new faces, no relationships that last or get more intimate. To the devil with it all!” (4) His incapacity to work alters and sours his familial relationship to an extent where they are now forced to work, to make ends meet. An example is when Grete, Gregor’s sister and primary caregiver says, “We must try to get rid of it,” (49) referring to Gregor as a thing, and something that could be disposed of easily. One may question the actions of the Samsa household; why would they not try to seek treatment or help Gregor in any way they could? It was heartbreaking to see Gregor discovering that he was completely alone, with no love or support,