Metamorphosis Themes
According to many Modernists, Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," embodies several distinct characteristics of early 20th century life. Uncertainty, alienation, and despair comprise these various features and are clearly reflected through the character and experiences of Gregor Samsa. Opening the story, Gregor is plagued with a relentless sense of uncertainty that will remain with him until his death. One uncertainty Gregor encounters is of a physical nature and comes about through his bizarre metamorphosis. Awaking one morning from uneasy dreams, Gregor is unaware of the complete transformation he has undergone. His body, now in the form of a gigantic insect, makes him unrecognizable, even to himself. Demonstrated in his first encounter with the world outside his bedroom, Gregor is completely oblivious to the vastness of his transformation. Gregor's failure to realize that his voice has changed as well
Throughout the story it is apparent that Gregor's existence is characterized by desperation and hopelessness. The fact that he does not immediately realize he is significantly late to work reflects the overall confused state he is encountering. Throughout, Gregor is alienated from his humanity, his job, and his family. Seeing Gregor's predicament, a sense of despair is pierced into the reader. Also his conversation with his mom and the chief clerk further show the irrationality of his thoughts. Characterized by a ceaseless sense of gloom that continues from the story's beginning to end, this piece is a reflection of the Modernist view concerning early 20th century life. Overall, Gregor's complete withdrawal from his surroundings and previous life serves as a powerful indictment of the alienation brought on by the modern social order. Gregor is unable to escape what he sees as his family duty and continues to sacrifice and serve only his family. The situation presented is extremely effective in depicting a sense of despair due to the reader's ability to easily relate to Gregor's circumstance. Gregor has been strained with the constant maintenance of the family and has failed to provide time for himself. Perhaps the underlying element behind his transformation is the uncertainty regarding his own personal identity. " This simple observation sets the tone of detachment that characterizes Gregor and the rest of the book. His overall uncertainty is also seen in his thought processes throughout his intense struggle to get out of bed. A sense of despair is also intertwined into the main message of the piece.
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Acceptance Essays
