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Oedipus Complex In Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis

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Oedipus Complex In Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis
The Metamorphosis displays some elements of Oedipus theory through Gregor’s injured leg caused by his Father, Gregor being very interested in his genital areas (shown through his protection of a picture), Gregor’s Father’s misconception of a certain situation, and Gregor’s Father’s attack in reaction to the discovery of Gregor’s bug-like body and his misconceived thought of what was happening with Gregor and his Mother.
At one point in the story, Gregor’s Father broke his leg because he scared his Mother. This seems to be evidence of Kafka incorporating the phallic stage of Oedipus Complex, when young boys fear that they’re Fathers will hurt them for liking their Mothers. Gregor’s injured leg could be used to symbolize the fear of being injured by his Father for untoward feelings that he holds towards his Mother. Gregor’s scaring of his Mother could also have been sexual in nature instead of sadistic.
Gregor protects a picture of the girl in the fur by “pressing against the glass…which made his hot abdomen feel good.” (Kafka, 46) This is evidence of the genital phase of Oedipus complex. His “abdomen” could symbolize his penis, which is made to feel good/aroused by being up against the picture of the woman that he carries affection for. In the genital phase, children are more focused on stimulating their private parts which seems to be the same with Gregor in this particular moment, because being against the …show more content…
The Metamorphosis, translated by Ian Johnston. 1915, pg.46. PDF file, https://www.planetebook.com/ebooks/The-Metamorphosis.pdf
Reference
Grace, Elizabeth. "Freud's Theory of Developmental Phases." Kids' development, http://www.kidsdevelopment.co.uk/freudsdevelopmentaltheory.html. N.p., 28 Sept. 2015. Web. 27 July 2017.
Oswalt, Angela. “Child & Adolescent Development: Overview Sigmund Freud and Child Development.” Gulf Bend Center, www.gulfbend.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=7926&cn=28%5C%22. Accessed 27 July
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