What Obstacles Does Gregor Face After Turning Into an Insect?
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
What obstacles does Gregor face after turning into an insect?
In Franz Kafka’s (1883-1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915), Gregor Samsa is presented as a tragic character. After turning into a giant insect, Gregor Samsa faces numerous physical, emotional, and social obstacles. The novella begins with the famous lines:
One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin.
Physical Obstacles: Gregor’s transformation into a giant bug immediately disrupts his life, making even basic tasks impossible. First, he struggles with his new body. He finds it difficult to control his legs, which move “continuously in different directions,” and he can’t even roll out of bed without hurting himself. His inability to get out of bed quickly becomes a source of frustration, as he worries about missing work. This reflects his dedication but also shows how his body now limits him.
Isolation: Emotionally, Gregor feels isolated as he can no longer communicate with his family. His voice turns into a high-pitched squeak that others can’t understand. This loss of communication increases his loneliness, as he is now cut off from his family and can only watch as they distance themselves from him.
Socially, Gregor faces rejection from his own family, who once relied on him. His sister Grete, initially caring, becomes hostile and insists that he should be removed. She says,
It’ll be the death of both of you, I can see it coming.
This rejection is a major obstacle, as Gregor’s sense of purpose is tied to helping his family.
Ultimately, Gregor’s transformation leads to obstacles that strip away his identity, dignity, and connections, leaving him trapped in a body and life that no longer fits him.