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Symbolism in the Metamorphisis by Franz Kafka

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Symbolism in the Metamorphisis by Franz Kafka
In The Metamorphosis, a novella written by Franz Kafka, the author demonstrates a connection between the transformation of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, into dirty vermin to he isolated condition of human kind. The similarities between Gregor's isolation and humans' is revealed through symbolism. And through many symbols, the entire novella depicts an allegory of isolation and alienation. Throughout this allegory, Kafka does not reveal the meaning of the story outwardly. Instead his use of symbols guide the reader and help to reveal the hidden agenda of the novella.

A major symbol used in The Metamorphosis, is "vermin" or the dung beetle. The transformation of Gregor into the dung beetle is chosen opposed to something else due to the fact it is a repulsive, unhygienic creature. Humans have a natural aversion to organisms such as these thus portraying his enhanced isolation from his family. This also relates to the overall isolation of the human condition. Lansburg states "When in society any group of men characterized by anomalous taste or social or racial heredity is de-nounced as "vermin" there will always be one group that will from then on see nothing but the other others' rottenness,, and another fraction within the scorned group that will think and act as if they had truly been transformed into vermin," this quote relates to how Gregor felt. In the beginning of the novella, the reader is informed that Gregor is undertaking a great psychological stress, he has devoted his time to supporting his family with his demanding job as a traveling salesmen. His job of deep isolation and no human relationships results in Gregor actually becoming or perhaps believing he is a "vermin," just as Lansburg described in the quote, when one is treated like "vermin" they will begin to act like it.

Another symbol used to depict isolation and a need for a human relationship is the picture of the women in fur, "which Gregor cut out of a glossy magazine and
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