Kafka's Metamorphosis

A detailed Summary of Kafka's Metamorphosis

Franz Kafka's short story "The Metamorphosis" deals with a man who turns into some sort of insect, resulting in a conflict between the household and the transformed individual. Whether the man, Gregor Samsa, literally or figuratively turns into a bug is not known. The story is full of themes and symbols that Kafka uses to make his story as ambiguous, yet as comprehensible, as possible. In fact, the symbols and themes are interconnected.

The most important theme is the idea of change and alienation. "As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect" (Kafka 962). The climax of the story seems to be the first few words, allowing the reader to be shocked from the beginning and to learn what has led to such a change. The reader does not know what sort of insect is implied through Kafka, so I will describe the bug as a beetle. From the outset, George Samsa mutates into a beetle, a fact that later becomes known to him. He is repulsive to look at and his boss "leaped down several steps and vanished" (Kafka 972) to avoid the sight of Gregor. This sort of isolation is dangerous and frightening. His only way he can see what is happening is through the small crack in the d

iven to her. It has already been shown how she has proven her brilliance repeatedly throughout the story. The number seven is also an important symbol. "'Seven o'clock already,' he said to himself when the alarm clock chimed again, 'seven o'clock already and still such a thick fog'" (Kafka 965). This is the first number used in the short story and is used perfectly. Seven is a symbol of completion, as is used several times in the Bible. Just like the seven days of creation, Gregor and his family begin with complete chaos due to the metamorphosis and ends with the family and Gregor in peace. The first day started with disorder and the week ended with Sabbath, the holy day of rest.

oor that his sister leaves for him. The Samsa family approaches him with caution, as if he were some sort of monster and not the son and brother he once was. His entire family despises !

One small idea that is not discussed in too much depth is the violin and the sweet music that is played through the strings. The second most important turning point, behind the metamorphosis, is when Grete accidentally leads Gregor out of his room to listen to her play some sort of melody. Music is one of the art forms, along with drawing and writing. It is rare to be able to experience a combination of writing with any other form of art. When it is used, Kafka does not give extensive details to the type of music. Yet, the melody must have been some sort of trance that captures the mind of an insect. It is understandable that Gregor enjoyed his sister's musical abilities, but he had never been enthralled by such music. In his mental condition, he acts abnormally because he risks his life. Mozart or some other German composer who utilized the violin and strings would most likely have composed that music.

Number symbols are predominant in this short story, giving another component to furthering the discussion of "The Metamorphosis." The number that represents power, wisdom, and love three of our themes is the number three. First, Kafka splits his story into three different sections. Next, three family members remain human and sane. The three tenants can be another example. Within each of these illustrations, there is a case of power, wisdom, or love. For instance, the three divisions of the story can be divided amongst these possibilities. The first section deals primarily with void love, both within the family and within the workplace. Gregor's change is caused by these two factors. The second section discusses the power Gregor, his sister, and the rest of his family obtains and loses after Gregor's metamorphosis. The final section manages the wisdom Grete acquires with her realization that Gregor is no longer part of the family and is a burden, neither a son nor a brother. T!

before she is ready to enter the harsh world.

The next three themes can be found in a symbol to be discussed later. The first of this group of themes is power. Power is both held and relinquished at different times of the short story. The reader learns that before Gregor turned into a beetle, he was the official "man of the house;" he earned the money that was used for food, clothing, and shelter. The parents had gotten into deep debt and Gregor was used to appease the boss of the company. However, as soon as Gregor mutates, he loses complete authority in the household. Surprisingly, the child of the household, Gregor's sister, Grete, finds the strength, mentally, physically, and emotionally, to deal with her brother in his misshapen form. "When she caught sight of him under the sofa...she was so startled that without being able to help it she slammed the door shut again. But as if regretting her behavior she opened the door again immediately and came in on tiptoe" (Kafka 974). Grete also helps her mother to try to gain th!

Sokel, Walter H. "Freud and the Magic of Kafka's Writing." The World of Franz Kafka. Ed. J.P. Stern. New York: George Weidenfeld and Nicolson Limited, 1980.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Metamorphosis Samsa, George Samsa, Mozart German, Grete Gregor's, Gregor Grete, Jews Kafka, Gregor Samsa, Franz Kafka's, Kafka Christian, short story, Nicolson Limited, gregor's sister, samsa family, power wisdom love, extra money, mental condition, gregor's father, human insect, family gregor, reason gregor, rest family,

Approximate Word count = 2920
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous