How has Gregor’s attitude towards his family changed?
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, and various study materials of The Metamorphosis.
Answer
How has Gregor’s attitude towards his family changed? [NU: 2020, 22] ★★★
Franz Kafka’s (1883–1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915) shows how Gregor Samsa changes not only in body but also in his heart. His attitude towards his family also changes. At first, he feels duty, later he feels love, and finally he feels sacrifice.
From Duty to Concern: At the beginning, Gregor thinks only of his work and the debt of his parents. Gregor says,
“Oh, God … What a strenuous career it is that I’ve chosen!”
Even with his insect body, he worries about the five o’clock train. His attitude is full of duty. He wants to keep his family safe by working hard for them.
From Duty to Silent Love: After his transformation, Gregor cannot work. Yet he still shows love for his sister Grete. Grete brings him food to eat on an old newspaper. Kafka says,
“She brought him a whole selection of things, all spread out on an old newspaper.”
He hides under the couch and eats quietly. He listens with joy when she plays the violin. His attitude is no longer about money. It becomes silent love and emotional care.
From Love to Sacrifice: At the end, Gregor accepts rejection. His father pushes him, his mother avoids him, and Grete says,
“We have to try and get rid of it.”
Yet Gregor does not hate them. He feels only sacrifice. The novella shows that his last thought was for his family’s peace. His death is his final gift to them.
Gregor’s attitude towards his family changes step by step. In the beginning, he feels a duty as a worker. Later, he feels silent love as a brother. Finally, he feels sacrifice as a son. His transformation makes his heart more human.