Kafka Metamorphosis Symbolism

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Through the use of symbolism and point of view, the meaning of the title of Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" is developed. Not only did Kafka refer to Gregor's metamorphosis, but he also referred to Grete's in the title of this fictional short story.

A recurring symbol throughout the tragic short story "The Metamorphosis" is food, symbolizing how Gregor's family feels towards him. Initially, Grete brings him " a bowl filled with sweetened milk, in which swam tiny pieces of white bread," which is his favorite drink. He is aware that "his sister had certainly places it there for that reason." This act of kindness represents how the family feels towards Gregor at this point- they do care for him, and are going out of their way to satisfy him. …show more content…
Specifically, at the end of the story, the narrator states " Mr. and Mrs. Samsa (noticed)...how their daughter, who was getting more animated all the time, had blossomed recently, in spite of all the troubles which had made her cheeks pale, into a beautiful and voluptuous young woman. Growing more silent and almost unconsciously understanding each other in their glances, they thought that the time was now at hand to seek out a good honest man for her." The omniscient point of view in this story allows readers to see how Gregor's parents refer to his sister, Grete, and how she has changed, or metamorphosed, from a girl to a woman.

Kafka's implementation of these devices successfully allowed him to portray the significance and meaning of the title "The Metamorphosis." Through these devices, Kafka was able to show the title's significance not only with Gregor's obvious metamorphosis of physical form, but also the less obvious metamorphosis of his family and their feelings towards him, especially

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