Themes: Capitalism, Work, and Drudgery
The Metamorphosis implies that individuals lose their humanity under a capitalist economic structure that asks them to see themselves as workers first and humans second. Kafka’s choice to depict Gregor as an insect highlights the way in which the drudgery of work can dehumanize workers. Absurdly, the first thought Gregor has when he awakens to find he is now, inexplicably, an insect is that he must get out of bed and get to work. He reflects on his “strenuous profession” as he hesitates to get up, but then he realizes he will likely be late and imagines “the Director’s wrath” at his absence or tardiness. Gregor does not think he can call in sick because he has never called in sick, so his actions would seem suspicious to his boss. Even after he gains more control over his new form and his family reacts with horror, Gregor insists that he can simply rise and get dressed, get on the train, and go to work. The Deputy Director shows up to find out why Gregor is not at work yet, which implies that the overseers of the corporate hierarchy are relentless in their domination of workers’ lives.
Several days into his transformation, Gregor thinks back on how he gained status at his workplace. He remembers feeling “pronounced fervor” for work when he realized he could provide for his family. Gregor’s job allowed him to feel a sense of satisfaction because “he could lay [cash] on the table at home” soon after completing his tasks. Now that Gregor is unable to fulfill the breadwinner role, his father must find a job. Once his father returns to work at a bank, he adopts a mindset similar to Gregor’s. Gregor observes how his father “dozed at his place fully clothed, as if he were always on duty and awaited the call of his superiors.” Mr. Samsa’s actions imply that work is the central activity in his life—even when he is resting at home, in his free time. Similarly, he sees rest as only a means to an end, serving his ability to do his job well. The narrator comments that “good sleep was absolutely essential, since he had to be at work by six.” The only purpose of his rest is to prepare him to work again the next day. Both Gregor’s and Mr. Samsa’s relationships to their jobs suggest that in this capitalist society, work is the defining activity of an individual’s life.
Expert Q&A
What was Gregor's life like at home and work before his metamorphosis?
Before his metamorphosis, Gregor was deeply unhappy both at work and at home. As a traveling salesman, he felt overworked, underappreciated, and treated like a mere tool by his boss. This dissatisfaction extended to his home life, where despite financially supporting his family, he felt isolated and unappreciated, except by his sister. Gregor's life was marked by a lack of fulfillment and a desire to escape his burdensome responsibilities, which foreshadows his eventual transformation.
What circumstances dehumanized Gregor even before The Metamorphosis occurred?
Gregor works a tedious, mindless job and has little meaningful interaction with other people. He is a slave to debt and other people only seem to care about his contribution to the work force. This leads to him feeling dehumanized before he even transforms into an insect.
Why does Grete, Gregor's caretaker and sister, want to get rid of him towards the end of The Metamorphosis?
"My dear parents," said his sister, and by way of an introduction pounded her hand on the table, "things can't go on like this. Maybe you don't realize it, but I do. I won't pronounce the name of my brother in front of this monster, and so all I say is: we have to try to get rid of it."
Grete wants to get rid of Gregor because she no longer sees him as her brother but as a burdensome "monster." Initially, she cared for him, but as Gregor's presence strains the family financially and emotionally, she becomes detached and selfishly desires her life back. Her use of "it" instead of "he" reflects this emotional distancing. Grete's harsh stance ultimately leads Gregor to lose hope and relinquish his will to live.
How would Gregor's concerns in Section I of The Metamorphosis differ if he wasn't transformed into an insect?
If Gregor had not transformed into an insect, his concerns in Section I would remain largely unchanged. He would still be preoccupied with his desire to quit his job and his obligation to support his family. His main worries revolve around the impact of his condition on his work and family, rather than his physical transformation. Even in human form, he would feel pressured to attend work despite disliking his job.
What symbolic role do the three lodgers play in The Metamorphosis and how do they critique contemporary society?
The three lodgers’ symbolic role is to show how modern society is displacing traditional ways. Initially, it seems they are replacing Gregor for the financial contribution he can no longer make. They seem to represent his family’s emotional disengagement from him, as his parents allow them to fill his room with castoff items. In time, however, they not only contribute to his death, but take over the household.
What does this quote from The Metamorphosis suggest about alienation?
"Likewise the ash can and the garbage can from the kitchen. Whatever was not being used at the moment was just flung into Gregor's room by the cleaning woman."
This quote highlights Gregor's deepening alienation, as his room becomes a repository for the family's unwanted items. It symbolizes how Gregor himself is perceived as "superfluous" and "unnecessary" by his family, reflecting his transformation from a valued member to a forgotten burden. The act of dumping garbage and unused objects into his space underscores his reduced status, akin to being treated as mere detritus, further emphasizing his isolation and dehumanization.
In Kafka's The Metamorphosis, what theme is suggested by Grete's shift from caring for to abandoning Gregor?
Grete's shift from caring for to abandoning Gregor in Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" highlights the theme of rejection. Initially, she is the only family member who communicates with Gregor, albeit angrily, which further isolates him. As the story progresses, Grete, encouraged by the family, distances herself, symbolizing Gregor's complete alienation. After Gregor's death, Grete undergoes her own transformation, emerging as an independent young woman, illustrating the dual nature of change and rejection.
In The Metamorphosis, is Gregor's transformation linked to his boss's treatment?
What aspect of Gregor's pre-transformation life suggests he was miserable?
Gregor Samsa's misery before his transformation is evident in his deep dissatisfaction with his job, which he finds relief from only after becoming unable to work due to his transformation. This suggests how much he disliked his job. Additionally, his belief that his family appreciated his financial support is shattered post-transformation, revealing they had been exploiting him, highlighting his pre-transformation life as one of unrecognized sacrifice and dissatisfaction.
Why do the parents appreciate Grete's work more than before in The Metamorphosis?
Gregor's transformation prompts Grete to mature, taking on responsibilities such as caring for him and getting a job as a sales clerk. Initially seen as a "useless daughter," she becomes more purposeful and assertive, even though her care for Gregor lacks affection. Her parents appreciate her newfound work ethic and maturity, evident in her handling of Gregor's death and the family's subsequent happiness. Grete's growth contrasts with her earlier indifference and laziness.
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