Metamorphosis: Isolation and Family Dynamics

The Metamorphosis: Gregor’s Transformation

One morning, upon waking, Gregor Samsa finds himself transformed into a monstrous beetle. Horrified, he reflects on his situation and decides to show himself to his family. Contrary to his expectations, his parents are disgusted and marginalize him in his room. His sister is the only person who agrees to feed him until the day of his death, several months after the metamorphosis. With the passing of time, the family makes the decision to remove the insect *before* it dies abandoned.

Themes of Loneliness and Despair

The story highlights various themes, including the loneliness, despair, and marginalization suffered by Gregor Samsa during his metamorphosis, which ultimately leads to his death.

Gregor Samsa’s Personality and Life

Gregor Samsa, the protagonist, is physically represented as a beetle. Before his metamorphosis, he was a traveling salesman who disliked his profession. He was tired of the constant travel and felt burdened by many concerns. In fact, when transformed into an insect, he initially believes it to be a hallucination caused by fatigue.

His job’s constant comings and goings allowed for only brief relationships. He considered the pros and cons of his work, wondering if it would be more convenient to quit. He only stays in his position to help his family financially. Every day, he takes the train at five in the morning, accompanied by a ruthless young man, an image of his boss, who had an air of superiority. The store opened before seven, and the bosses exercised strict control over the care and efficiency of employees, viewing them as lazy individuals who would take any opportunity to escape their obligations.

Returning from work, he used to sit with his family around the table to read the newspaper or silently study travel itineraries. This suggests that before the transformation, Gregor did not have a close relationship with his parents. However, Gregor cares for his family, and the first thing he realizes is that he can no longer work to support them without his salary.

Gregor’s Isolation and Habits

He rarely left the house for recreation and had no social life outside of work. His only distraction was carpentry work. The money he earned was handed to his bosses on a monthly basis and was destined almost entirely for the family economy. He only kept a tiny amount, which he saved instead of spending. In his spare time, he liked to sit in front of the window of his room and observe the monotonous façade of the hospital across the street. He had only two habits: sleeping on his right side and locking himself in his room at night, habits acquired during his business trips. The situation prior to the metamorphosis suggests that he did not lead a very lively life and was under continual pressure from his boss and his parents.

Grete Samsa and the Family’s Reaction

Grete Samsa, Gregor’s sister, plays an essential role in the story. She feeds her brother while everyone else ignores him. However, she does not offer the moral support that Gregor needs most. Gregor’s parents avoid their son, whom they soon cease to consider as such. They remain in the house but show no affection for him, almost completely disregarding his situation.