How far does the transformation of Gregor’s personality affect you?

Answer

How far does the transformation of Gregor’s personality affect you? [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★

Franz Kafka’s (1883–1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915) is a powerful story of Gregor Samsa. He wakes up one morning and becomes an insect. His body changes, but his mind and heart also change. His transformation is not only his tragedy but also the readers’ pain. Every event in his room, his house, and with his family affects our feelings strongly.

Gregor’s Shock and Our Pity: Gregor wakes up one morning. Then, he finds his insect body. 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 thin legs helplessly. He cannot turn on his side. As readers, we feel pity and fear. His room looks normal, but his body is not. His helplessness makes us imagine ourselves in his place. We feel sad that a man who worked so hard now suffers in silence.

Gregor’s Duty and Our Respect: Even after his change, Gregor still worries about his work. He says,

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

He worries about the five o’clock train and about his boss. He even thinks about paying his parents’ debts. This shows his duty-loving heart. As readers, we respect him. His body is broken, but his mind is full of responsibility. This makes us admire his sacrifice and also feel pain that his love is not returned.

Gregor’s Strange Voice and Our Sadness: When his mother knocks on the door, Gregor answers. Kafka says,

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

His words are no longer human. His family cannot understand him. We as readers feel sadness because he is still human inside, but cannot express his heart. His separation from his mother, Father, and Sister Grete affects us strongly. We feel the tragedy of a man who wants