The Metamorphosis is a notable literary work by Franz Kafka. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts,
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Comment on the comic and crime elements in “The Metamorphosis.” [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
Franz Kafka’s (1883–1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915) is both strange and serious. Yet the story also has comic and crime elements. Gregor Samsa’s insect body creates comic moments. At the same time, his father’s violence and family rejection create crime-like cruelty inside the Samsa house.
Comic in Gregor’s Struggles: Gregor’s first morning is filled with comic images. Kafka says,
“One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin.”
He waves his many thin legs helplessly. He worries about missing the five o’clock train instead of his insect body. This strange mixture of serious and funny makes the reader laugh. His awkward crawling on the walls and ceiling also adds comic elements.
Crime in Father’s Violence: The cruel treatment of Mr. Samsa feels like a crime. After the transformation, Gregor struggles in his room and finally manages to open the door. The Chief Clerk sees him and runs away in fear. Mother faints, Grete cries, and Father becomes violent. Mr. Samsa picks up the Chief Clerk’s stick and a newspaper to drive Gregor back. Gregor’s insect body is soft. His body rubs against the sharp doorframe. This causes him to bleed heavily as he falls inside the room.
Later, Mr. Samsa throws apples at Gregor. One apple is attached painfully to his back. This is like a crime committed inside the family. Gregor, once the supporter of the Samsas, becomes the victim of violence.
Crime in Neglect and Rejection: The family slowly rejects Gregor. Sister Grete once cared, but later she says,
“We have to try and get rid of it.”
She even pushes food with her foot into his room. His mother avoids him, and his father treats him like an animal. This neglect is a moral crime. A son is abandoned in his own house.
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