Querube Barber - The Metamorphosis

If you have not read the novel The Metamorphosis, you should consider reading it. This novel was written by Franz Kafka, a very famous German author. The word metamorphosis comes from the Greek prefix meta (meaning after, changed) and the Greek base morph (meaning form, shape). Webster dictionary defines metamorphosis as change of physical form. Perhaps the most common metamorphosis you know about is that of an ugly caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly?

This is exactly the opposite of what happens to Gregor Samsa, the main character in the novel. Gregor is a traveling salesman who is very dissatisfied with his job. Unfortunately, Gregor cannot quit his job because he is the main provider for his family. His parents do not work, not because they cannot, but because they chose not to. Gregor has as younger sister whom he loves very much. He pays violin lessons for his sister.

One day, Gregor wakes up and finds out that he has turned into a “vermin” that is a big insect. At first he thinks it is a dream. Soon, however, he discovers that it is no a dream. His family also finds out what has happened to Gregor. He cannot talk but can hear and understand his family. His family, on the other hand, is not aware that Gregor can hear and understand what they say.

His family is disgusted with his appearance. One day, his father threw an apple at Gregor’s back which caused and infection. The family decides to leave Gregor shut up in his room. His sister is the one who brings food to Gregor and cares for him. But taking care of Gregor becomes a drag to his sister and the family. After a while, Gregor’s health begins to deteriorate. His sister does not see the creature as Gregor, her brother, anymore but only as an insect. One day when Gregor was out of his room, his sister announces that it is time to get rid of Gregor. He hears it and, saddened by this statement, Gregor returns to his room, lies down and dies because the lack of food and love and care from his family.

Throughout the novel, Gregor’s father is very critical and very demanding of Gregor. Therefore, father and son did not have a good relationship at all. The interesting thing about this situation is that Kafka himself did not have a good relationship with his abusive, critical and demanding father. It seems to me that the novel reflects this fact.

Although Gregor has metamorphosed into an insect, could not this be representative of becoming unattractive to one’s job or to one’s family by becoming unable to provide for them, because of illness, injury, or old age? Although sad at the end, it is an interesting novel to read and analyze.