Eddie Murphy vs. Kafka
When we look at Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis and compare it to a modern day movie such as The Nutty Professor we can see great similarities and differences between the two plots. Both stories involve a character who either intentionally or not is physically transformed, and perhaps changed psychologically as well. The stories both go on to explain the dilemma which is brought about by their change and if and how it affects the people around them. Finally there is the outcome, the lesson learned both in the main character as well as the people around them that we discover at the end of these stories. The most apparent metamorphosis in both these stories are the physical transformations that take place in the characters. This metamorphosis involves a change in the characters appearance and the way other characters see them. For example in Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," Gregor wakes up one morning to find that he has curiously turned into a beetle. His entire body has actually been transformed into that of an insect, right down to the hard protective shell and multiple thin legs. "His numerous legs, which were pitifully thin compared to the rest of his bulk, waved helplessly before his eyes" (Kennedy and Gioia 296
In the case of the professor, during the times he is "transformed," his entire personality changes and he becomes very self-confidant. "But to become the man he wants to look like, he must abandon the man he is inside" (Hilditch 1). The old, unchanged professor was very conscious about his weight, he tended to be shy. Conversations with women were uneasy as he often stuttered. However when the potion was in effect, the "new" professor becomes outgoing and extremely energetic. . "The miracle potion conjures up the trim, obnoxious, oversexed Buddy Love" (Brennan 1). Brennan, Mary. "The Nutty Professor." Mr. Showbiz 1996 ng under the couch in his room to hide his appearance from his family and spending the day sleeping and thinking. "Gradually, however, Gregor seems to regress...He becomes childlike in his complete dependence on his family, whereas earlier he had supported them" (Barnet, Berman and William Burto 69).Both characters in each story are faced with the dilemma between their new self and the people around them. Their relationships with their friends and family change, and they affect the people around them differently. For example after Gregor and his family realize he is no longer in any condition to work, his father is forced to go back to work in order to support the family. In other words some of the roles in the family are changed. Gregor's condition makes him unable to care for himself, and no one but his sister takes up the responsibility of caring for her brother. Suddenly Gregor's sister is looked at to mature quicker and perhaps get out and get a job to help support the family. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Throughout both stories we can also see a change in the characters as we follow them through to the end, perhaps a lesson learned or different feeling and way of thinking at the end as well as consequences. After what seems like months of a pathetic existence trapped in his room, Gregor realizes he has become a burden and shame to his family. He overhears his family talking about
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1420
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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