The Metamorphosis : Quotations

Quotations

Quotes

“Oh, God… what a strenuous career it is that I’ve chosen!” – (The Metamorphosis – Gregor Samsa, Part I)

Explanation (English): Gregor feels trapped in his job as a salesman. His work is full of stress, pressure, and no joy. It shows his early suffering even before his transformation.

“We have to try and get rid of it.” – (The Metamorphosis – Grete Samsa, Part II)

Explanation (English): Grete, once caring, rejects Gregor. She no longer calls him brother. Her words show cruelty and the family’s complete loss of love for Gregor.

“Gregor was shocked when he heard his own voice.” – (The Metamorphosis – Narrator, Part I)

Explanation (English): Gregor’s human voice turns into insect-like sounds. His family cannot understand him. It shows his loss of communication and human connection.

“She brought him a whole selection of things, all spread out on an old newspaper.” – (The Metamorphosis – Narrator about Grete Samsa, Part II)

Explanation (English): Grete tries to care for Gregor by offering food. She tests his new tastes. This shows her initial kindness before her later rejection.

“It’s dead, just lying there, stone dead!” – (The Metamorphosis – The Charwoman, Part III)

Explanation (English): The cleaner finds Gregor’s dead body. Her cold words show how little value Gregor has at the end. His death brings no grief, only relief.

“One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin.” – (The Metamorphosis – Narrator, Part I)

Explanation (English): The story opens with Gregor’s shocking change. The strange and sudden transformation sets the tragic and absurd tone of the novella.

“I’ll open up immediately, just a moment. I’m slightly unwell.” – (The Metamorphosis – Gregor Samsa, Part I)

Explanation (English): Gregor, despite his insect body, tries to sound responsible. He wants to keep his job. His words show his sense of duty and denial of reality.

“He was especially fond of hanging from the ceiling.” – (The Metamorphosis – Narrator, Part II)

Explanation (English): Gregor learns to enjoy his insect body. Hanging from the ceiling gives him freedom in his confined room. It is both comic and tragic.

“Had been left totally untouched.” – (The Metamorphosis – Narrator, Part III)

Explanation (English): Gregor’s room becomes dirty and neglected. No one cleans it anymore. This neglect shows his family’s rejection and his dehumanization.

“His sister, who had taken a sales job, learned shorthand and French.” – (The Metamorphosis – Narrator about Grete Samsa, Part III)

Explanation (English): Grete becomes independent after Gregor’s change. She takes a sales job and studies languages and shorthand. This shows her growth and transformation into adulthood.

“What’s happened to me?” he thought. It wasn’t a dream.” – (The Metamorphosis – Gregor Samsa, Part I)

Explanation (English): Gregor realizes his shocking change into an insect. At first, he thinks it might be a dream. Soon, he understands it is real. This is the beginning of his tragedy.