How did Gregor die? How does Kafka project his alienation in “The Metamorphosis?”

Answer

How did Gregor die? How does Kafka project his alienation in “The Metamorphosis?” [NU: 2021]

Franz Kafka’s (1883–1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915) is the tragic story of Gregor Samsa. He changes into a vermin in his room. Slowly, he loses health, love, and hope. His death comes silently, and it shows the full picture of his alienation.

His Painful Death: Gregor grows weaker day by day. The wound from the apple never heals. His father’s violence, his mother’s fear, and his sister Grete’s rejection all break his spirit. The room becomes dirty and dark. Kafka says about his room, 

“Had been left totally untouched.”

Food is pushed carelessly inside, and often he does not eat. He lies in silence. He thinks of his family, but gets no love in return. At last, his body gives up. In the early morning, he quietly dies in his room. The cleaner shouts, 

“It’s dead, just lying there, stone dead!”

No one is beside him. His death is lonely and full of pain. It is the final proof of his alienation and dehumanization.

Family’s Rejection and Alienation: Gregor suffers alienation inside his own house. His father drives him back violently. His mother avoids him. His sister Grete finally says, 

“We have to try and get rid of it.”

The family stops calling him a son or brother. They call him “it”. This language shows complete alienation. He is no longer part of his family.

Social Isolation and Neglect: Gregor also feels alienated from society. The Chief Clerk runs away in fear when he sees him. Later, the family locks Gregor in his room. His sister Grete pushes food with her foot. When the three lodgers see him during Grete’s violin playing, they complain and refuse to stay. Even the cleaning maid mocks him and treats him like dirt. Kafka projects alienation through this neglect and isolation.

Gregor dies silently in his room. His alienation is shown by