Alienation In The Metamorphosis

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“When Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a monstrous insect.”(Kafka 308). In The Metamorphosis the literal change in Gregor from a man to an insect portrays the theme of alienation. In “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka, Gregor’s transformation into an insect is a symbol for alienation in the Samsa family. Gregor’s mother was alienated by her roles as the mother and the wife. Mrs. Samsa is conflicted by her motherly instincts and her fear of Gregor’s transformation. She wanted to try to be there for Gregor but she was repulsed by his transformation. As shown when she tried to “see Gregor better, but...backed away from him”(Kafka 316). Additionally, her family is alienating her from her son. A few weeks after Gregor’s transformation, Gregor’s mother gathers herself enough to try to see Gregor, but is denied by Grete and her husband. She has to follow her husband’s ruling because Mrs. Samsa is supposed to be the “perfect” wife. Subsequently, Mrs. Samsa’s world centered around her husband making her the stereotypical wife.
Gregor’s father was alienated by his own choices. Mr. Samsa became complacent and never tried to expand his …show more content…
As time went by Grete became Gregor’s only connection which separated her from others. Grete is the only one who could face Gregor after his transformation. As a consequence, taking care of Gregor becomes a chore which takes a toll on their relationship. Grete encourages his transformation by her removing his furniture and feeding him garbage. Grete’s receptiveness sways Gregor into becoming more of the insect he already is. In this process, she begins to shine in the eyes of her parents. Grete has gone through a metamorphosis of her own from an obedient daughter and sister to a young woman with a mind of her own. The family is now shifting to “their daughter…[who] blossomed into a pretty and shapely girl” (Kafka
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