How Does Gregor Entertain Himself?
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, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Metamorphosis.
Answer
How does Gregor entertain himself?
In Franz Kafka’s (1883-1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915), Gregor finds new ways to entertain himself after his transformation into an insect. He focuses more on activities that suit his new form.
Crawling and Climbing: Crawling becomes his primary source of enjoyment. He often climbs the walls and ceiling of his room, experiencing a sense of freedom that he never had. The narrator notes,
He was especially fond of hanging from the ceiling; it was quite different from lying on the floor; he could breathe more freely.
This activity, although strange, brings Gregor a sense of relief and escape from the monotony of his life.
Observing His Family: Gregor also spends time observing his family from a distance. Since they no longer interact with him, he listens to their conversations through the door and watches their behavior. He tries to stay connected in some way. Despite his isolation, Gregor continues to feel concerned for their well-being.
Clinging to Objects from His Past: Another activity that gives Gregor comfort is clinging to objects that remind him of his human life. For example, he becomes attached to the framed picture of the woman in furs and tries to protect it when his sister and mother attempt to remove his furniture. This act shows that, while Gregor entertains himself in ways suited to his new insect form, he still holds onto remnants of his past human identity.
To wrap up, these small pleasures highlight Gregor’s gradual adaptation to his new condition, even as he struggles with loneliness and alienation.