Symbolism in The Metamorphosis
"As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect" (chapter 1). How odd! A story where a salesman mysteriously wakes up and finds himself transformed into a large bug. Why? How? There has to be some explanation to why this story contained such strange elements. Gregor's transformation was much too peculiar of an incident not to stand for something, symbolically. Kafka used tons of symbols when writing this book. Some of which, were from aspects of his personal life. Symbolism adds texture and depth to the story, while genuinely making it more fun and readable. In this paper, I will divulge the greater meaning that lies within the "Metamorphosis." Why a bug? Gregor could have been transformed into any creature imaginable, but Kafka chose to make him a dune bug. A bug symbolizes insignificance. Gregor was pretty much insignificant in the eyes of his family, except for the fact that he brought home the money to his ungrateful relatives. Other than that, he was of absolutely no use to the household. The bug that Gregor becomes also symbolizes Gregor's unhuman-like, boring lifestyle. "...since during his five years'
After doing some reading on Kafka, I realized that he mentioned several references to his personal life in this story. Gregor's room was in between two other bedrooms, as was Kafka's. Also, Kafka was dying of tuberculosis when he was writing this book. This story could have been an allegory of a family's rejection of a sick person. Here's another example: "Did you hear how he was speaking?' 'That was the voice of an animal,' said the chief clerk..." (chapter 1). In his diaries, Kafka often referred to his tuberculosis as the "animal." References to Kafka's personal life can easily be spotted if looked for in the story. If Gregor's transformation occurred before the story started, why is the book called "Metamorphosis?" I had mentioned that three metamorphoses took place during the story. Gregor's mother had changed in the sense that she found a job sewing piecework and can contribute more to the family. Mr. Samsa took a job as a bank messenger, whereas he could hardly walk while Gregor was alive and working. Gregor's sister became a salesgirl. All the members of the family changed for the better; they are all more responsible and have a greater appreciation for how hard it is to support a family financially. I believe that the most significant metamorphosis happened to Gregor's sister. "And it was like a confirmation of their new dreams and excellent intentions that at the end of their ride their daughter sprang to her feet first and stretched her young body" (chapter 3). To me, this represented a bug (Gregor) changing into a butterfly (Grete). Grete has definitely become more independent and has become a "pretty girl with a good figure" and is ready to get married. Gregor's death forced his family to transform for the better.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Gregor Samsa, Kafka Gregor, Kafka Gregor's, Holy Trinity, Grete Grete, References Kafka's, Kafka's Kafka, Pitilessly Gregor's, chapter 1, bug gregor, personal life, gregor's father, gregor's transformation, chapter 1 gregor, story gregor's, gregor's sister, creature bug, writing book, gregor's father's, aspects personal life,
Approximate Word count = 1186
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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