Gregor Samsa is presented as a tragic character in “The Metamorphosis.” Do you agree?

Answer

Gregor Samsa is presented as a tragic character in “The Metamorphosis.” Do you agree? [NU: 2020]

Franz Kafka’s (1883–1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915) tells the strange story of Gregor Samsa. He is a travelling salesman. He wakes up in his room and finds himself turned into a vermin. His life becomes full of pain and rejection. His family, his job, and his dreams all break down. We clearly see him as a tragic figure. His life, sacrifice, and death bring sadness to every reader.

Gregor’s Terrible Change: The story begins in Gregor’s room. He wakes up and finds his body strange. Kafka says: 

“One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin.”

His belly is brown and hard. His legs wave helplessly. This sudden change makes him tragic. The room looks the same, but Gregor is no longer human. Readers feel pity for him from the very first scene.

His Worry about Job and Family Duty: Even after his insect body, Gregor thinks of the train, his boss, and the Chief Clerk. He says,

“Oh, God… what a strenuous career it is that I’ve chosen!”

He worries that he cannot pay the debts of his parents. He thinks of his mother and father’s future. He wants to work for Sister Grete. This strong duty makes him tragic. A man who cares for his family cannot save himself. Readers feel both respect and sadness.

His Strange Voice and Separation from Family: Gregor answers when his mother calls him. Kafka says, 

“Gregor was shocked when he heard his own voice.”

His voice no longer sounds human. His mother does not understand him. His father grows impatient. His sister Grete, who loves him, also becomes afraid. Gregor becomes separated inside his own house. His voice shows his lost human link. This lonely condition makes him a tragic figure. Readers feel deep sorrow here.

The Chief Clerk and