The Metamorphosis---Nikkie J

The novella The Metamorphosis by Franz Kakfa begins with what should be the climax in the plot. The opening sentence tells readers that Gregor Samsa, the protagonist whom we have received no background information on, has turned into an enormous bug, and readers just have to deal with the plot development from there acceptingly. While Gregor’s metamorphosis is focused on, many critics have proposed that his transformation was not the only one to take place over the course of the story. Grete Samsa, Gregor’s younger sister, also undergoes a change before the novels end. The metamorphoses by the two Samsa siblings contribute to Kafka’s overall meaning of the work: finding personal identity.
Gregor, as mentioned, began the story as a giant insect. Over the course of the novella, he tries to reclaim his self-identity that he basically lost by living his life for his family and completely neglecting himself Even as an insect, he tries his best to continue to service his family by not inconvienicing them. He pulls a sheet over him so Grete wouldn’t see him and get scared, which exemplifies him putting others first and ignoring his own needs. Also, during the time in his room, Gregor continues to feel guilt because he cannot provide for his family in his current state. Our protagonist seems to go from bad (he despises his current job and boss), to worse during his metamorphosis. His search for identity feels bleak for readers, mainly because he ultimately gives up on himself and sacrifices himself for his family’s happiness, as to not be an inconveinance to them. Gregor’s metamorphosis is symbolic of anyone who has to take on family duties, and is subjugated to isolation from family and work.
Grete’s transformation was different than that of Gregor, whereas he was broken down, she was built up. She is the only one in the family with whom Gregor still has a relationship with after he becomes a bug. At first, Grete took great care of Gregor. She made sure that his room was clean and he was fed at least three times a day. Her actions were fueled by her own search for personal identity. Prior to Gregor’s turning into a bug, he was the one who took care of the family’s responsibilities. Now that he was incapable of doing so, she saw this as an opportunity to find her role and identity in the family. She cared for Gregor in hopes to gain a sense of responsibility, but soon after the novelty wore off She got ajob as a saleswoman and enjoyed her new role as the responsible one in the family. Grete’s metamorphosis was completed when she became the first one to suggest getting rid of Gregor, seeing him no longer as a brother but as a burden. Her search for personal identity was complete only because of Gregor’s down fall.
Kafka’s story can be interpreted in many different ways. Several different themes are compacted into this dense novella like economic oppression, family dynamics, and the power of guilt. The search for personal identity is one of the more general morals of the story. Grete and Greogor played intricate roles in the other’s “morphing” processes, and hunt for personal identity. In the end, it is Grete’s playing of the violin that reminds Gregor of his humanity and identity, but by that time it is too late. Their transformations contributed to the overall meaning of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.