Gregor Samsa's Transformation

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" revolves around the central figure of Gregor Samsa who is a commercial traveler by profession and finds himself one day transformed into a huge vermin. The writer points out that not only does Gregor turn into a huge insect; he also starts behaving like one as the story progresses. The writer discusses why Gregor turned into an insect and what the Kafka was trying to signify through this metamorphosis. The writer also delves deeper into the meaning of the term metamorphosis as used by Kafka in this story. After analyzing the possible reasons behind Samsa's transformation, the writer concludes that the Kafka had given this character an autobiographical touch and thus spoke about his own inability to relate to the human society through Gregor. Thus, the writer maintains that this transformation and the character of Gregor epitomize the life experiences of the Kafka, which include broken relationships, negative family ties, alienation from 'blissful' company of human society, etc.

From the Paper:

"Gregor is a normal human being who is excessively worried about his work and his duties but he fails to get much respect from people at work, who are all concerned about their own lives and jobs. Gregor feels like a misfit in this materialistic society and this is exactly the reason why he is shown turning into a vermin. The transformation signifies many things including Samsa's inability to get accustomed to the materialistic impersonal and cold society in which he dwelt. The novel is interspersed with instances of irony and pure sarcasm and cynicism and there is hardly a light moment in this entire story. There are various ways in which the transformation can be interpreted. But Samsa being a misfit dominates all other interpretations. Samsa lacks a much-needed sense of belonging, which is one reason, why he is unable to develop positive healthy relationships with people around him."

Sample of Sources Used:

• RONALD SPEIRS and BEATRICE SANDBERG, Franz Kafka. New York: St. Martin' s, 1997
• Art Buchwald, Celebrity Meltdown. Vol. 32, Psychology Today, 12-01-1999, pp. 46-49,
• Kafka, Franz. The Complete Stories & Parables. Translation. Willa and Edwin Muir New York: Quality Paperback Book Club, 1974
• Works of Franz Kafka: The Metamorphosis. , Monarch Notes, 1963

More papers on Gregor Samsa's Transformation:

• Analytical Essay # 30801 : "Gregor Samsa's Transformation"
• Analytical Essay # 142040 : "Kafka and Abe on the Human Spirit"
• Analytical Essay # 124190 : "Transformation in "The Metamorphosis"

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