Initial Thoughts on Metamorphosis

   Thematic analysis of The Metamorphosis has tended to focus on the psychoanalytic and symbolic, or allegorical, nature of the story. While evaluations of the narrative vary, many commentators view the theme of alienation from humanity at the center of the story and interpret Gregor's transformation as a kind of wish-fulfillment or as an extended metaphor. Critics who perceive the metamorphosis as a form of wish-fulfillment on Gregor's part find in the text clues indicating that he deeply resented having to support his family. Desiring to be in turn nurtured by them, he becomes a parasite in entomological fact. The complete dependence of Gregor's family and employer on him, then, is seen as an ironic foil to the reality of Gregor's anatomical transformation into a parasite. Many critics who approach the story in this way believe the primary emphasis of The Metamorphosis is not upon Gregor, but on his family, as they abandon their dependence on him and learn to be self-sufficient. One interpretation of the story holds that the title applies equally to Gregor's sister Grete: she passes from girlhood to young womanhood during the course of the narrative. Another view of Gregor's transformation is that it is an extended metaphor, carried from abstract concept to concrete reality: trapped in a meaningless job and isolated from the human beings around him, Gregor is thought of as an insect by himself and by others, so he becomes one.

What I love about Kafka’s Metamorphosis, is the abrupt and brutal manner in which Gregor Samsa’s life is irrevocably transformed.  Much like how life often strikes and pounces when we least expect it, our hapless protagonist wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a “monstrous vermin”.   Now, in popular culture, this transformation has always been depicted as some sort of cockroach-like insect. But having actually read the base material for the first time, the word “vermin” really jumps out at me, as if to say that whatever thing Gregor Samsa has become is something wholly undefinable by any known rules of nature.  Something utterly outside of our understanding of the natural world.  No wonder his family is struck with such revulsion and horror upon learning of this condition!  What really interests me however, is the long drawn out process with which the family reacts and adapts to this situation.  In fact, if you strip out the “monstrous vermin” bit, Metamorphosis becomes a family drama dealing with the chronic and incurable illness of a loved one.  I especially 'enjoyed' reading about how the sister's care and affection eventually morphed into hatred and disgust, leading to the fruit throwing scene towards the end.   The story ends with the family happily riding off on an outing, freed of the burden that was Gregor, a deeply nihilistic ending that delivers a final gut punch to the reader.