Parents and Children

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the relationship between parents and children in "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka, "Upstairs in a Wineshop" by Lu Xun and "Endgame" by Samuel Beckett. All three works support the contention that parents must satisfy the needs of their children, and children must satisfy the needs of their parents. The author shows how all three works illustrate this thesis in different ways.

Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. The Metamorphosis
III. Upstairs in a Wineshop
IV. Endgame
V. Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"In The Metamorphosis, Kafka tells the story of Gregor, a man who wakes up one day to find that he has turned into a bug. Gregor has been working hard at a job that he clearly hates to support his parents and sisters. His parents owe Gregor's boss money because of a failed business, and he is determined to keep working until the money is paid back. At the same time, he keeps his family in a large apartment with a maid. Gregor tries to make enough money so that his parents do not have to work. After his transformation, his primary concern is for his family's well-being. How will they survive without him? Clearly Gregory feels a strong obligation to look after his parents. His parents feel the same way towards him, especially his mother. She is horrified at the sight of him, but forces herself to visit him. Gregor, for his part is upset because the sight of him causes her pain. Gregor's mother also tries to keep Gregor's things in his room so that he will feel more at home. It can be argued that Gregor's father is hostile towards him, but consider the fact that he does not throw Gregor out."

More papers on Parents and Children:

• Book Review # 49453 : "Families and "Liberated Parents, Liberated Children"
• Essay # 32813 : "Straight Parents and Gay Kids"
• Book Review # 49559 : "Liberated Parents, Liberated Children"

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