Franz kafka
Gregor Samsa's sister, Grete, in The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, seems to undergo a metamorphosis that is parallel to her brother's. As Gregor takes on the characteristics of an insect, Grete gains her independence and maturity.
Before Gregor's transformation, Grete seems to be his only close companion. She writes letters to him while he is away from home, and her first words to Gregor in the story are kind and caring: "Gregor? Aren't you well? Are you needing anything?" (368). Later in the story, we learn that Gregor had planned to announce to his family his intention to send Grete to the Conservatorium, suggesting his close relationship with her.
After Gregor's transformation, Grete initially seems to care about and feel concern for his well-being, as she would have before his metamorphosis. When she first sees Gregor, she shuts the door quickly in surprise, but she opened it again and "came in on tiptoe, as if she were visiting an invalid or even a stranger" (378). She didn't want to disturb him and acted very polite around him. She sets out different types of food for him, to see which he likes the best. She also notices his new habits of his, and helps him keep them. For instance, leaving the chair by the window when she notices that he moves it there.
Through this, however, there is an obvious detachment and separation from Gregor after his transformation. The fact that Grete entered Gregor's room feeling like he was a stranger implies her changed feeling toward him. Gregor had a basin "for his exclusive use," as if his family could not use something after he had touched it (378). Also, his sister never touches the food that he doesn't eat, even when it is apparent that he didn't touch the food.
The sight of Gregor seems to cause a change in Grete's behavior toward her brother. This may be evident when Gregor covers himself with a sheet, and he "even fancied that he caught a thankful glance from her eye" (382). Before this incident, Grete views Gregor
Before Gregor's transformation, Grete seems to be his only close companion. She writes letters to him while he is away from home, and her first words to Gregor in the story are kind and caring: "Gregor? Aren't you well? Are you needing anything?" (368). Later in the story, we learn that Gregor had planned to announce to his family his intention to send Grete to the Conservatorium, suggesting his close relationship with her.
After Gregor's transformation, Grete initially seems to care about and feel concern for his well-being, as she would have before his metamorphosis. When she first sees Gregor, she shuts the door quickly in surprise, but she opened it again and "came in on tiptoe, as if she were visiting an invalid or even a stranger" (378). She didn't want to disturb him and acted very polite around him. She sets out different types of food for him, to see which he likes the best. She also notices his new habits of his, and helps him keep them. For instance, leaving the chair by the window when she notices that he moves it there.
Through this, however, there is an obvious detachment and separation from Gregor after his transformation. The fact that Grete entered Gregor's room feeling like he was a stranger implies her changed feeling toward him. Gregor had a basin "for his exclusive use," as if his family could not use something after he had touched it (378). Also, his sister never touches the food that he doesn't eat, even when it is apparent that he didn't touch the food.
The sight of Gregor seems to cause a change in Grete's behavior toward her brother. This may be evident when Gregor covers himself with a sheet, and he "even fancied that he caught a thankful glance from her eye" (382). Before this incident, Grete views Gregor