Franz Kafka Metamorphosis Change
Throughout the novella, Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, a very common motif, change, is present throughout the entire story. This is not only present within the sudden change of Gregor into a cockroach, but within his behavior and within the behavior of those around him. As the book progresses, we see how Gregor's condition changes him and everyone around him. As the book progresses, Gregor’s family changes tremedously. There are two major changes that occur throughout the story. At the beginning of the novel, we see that Gregor is the leader of the household, as he is the one who works, pays for everything, and is the man of the household. However, once he changes into a cockroach, we see his little sister take charge throughout the novel,
as she takes over the duties of the household, such as working, helping cook and clean. We also see her take over the responsibilities having to do with Gregor, such as bringing food, and cleaning the room. This is the first change that occurs. However, we see the biggest change in those surrounding Gregor at the end of the novel, once Gregor dies. This change is even represented by the author, as all of the family members, previously represented by their place in the family according to Gregor’s view, such as Grete being referred to as ‘sister’, are now referred to by their real names such as Mr. and Mrs. Samsa. Within the final change of the novella, the family almost completely relegate Gregor. They begin to neglect feeding him, leading to his death, and once he does die, they feel freed. Though Gregor’s family changes, Gregor himself changes. At the beginning of the novel, he is a man trapped within a cockroach’s body. His thoughts and emotions remain the same as if he were within his human body. However, as the novella progresses, we witness a change. Gregor begins to change mentally, as he begins to think and act more and more like a cockroach. He begins to lose sentimental feeling towards everything such as his family and his belonging. By the end of the novel, we witness Gregor at his most barbaric form. He is mesmerized by the music, and he completely forgets about everything in order to get his sister to play music for him.
as she takes over the duties of the household, such as working, helping cook and clean. We also see her take over the responsibilities having to do with Gregor, such as bringing food, and cleaning the room. This is the first change that occurs. However, we see the biggest change in those surrounding Gregor at the end of the novel, once Gregor dies. This change is even represented by the author, as all of the family members, previously represented by their place in the family according to Gregor’s view, such as Grete being referred to as ‘sister’, are now referred to by their real names such as Mr. and Mrs. Samsa. Within the final change of the novella, the family almost completely relegate Gregor. They begin to neglect feeding him, leading to his death, and once he does die, they feel freed. Though Gregor’s family changes, Gregor himself changes. At the beginning of the novel, he is a man trapped within a cockroach’s body. His thoughts and emotions remain the same as if he were within his human body. However, as the novella progresses, we witness a change. Gregor begins to change mentally, as he begins to think and act more and more like a cockroach. He begins to lose sentimental feeling towards everything such as his family and his belonging. By the end of the novel, we witness Gregor at his most barbaric form. He is mesmerized by the music, and he completely forgets about everything in order to get his sister to play music for him.