Feminist Lens In Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis

In Metamorphosis, the author Franz Kafka views women as under men throughout the novel. Why does Kafka have this view? During the period that Kafka wrote this novel, the 19th century women were seen to do simple things, like cleaning the house, looking after children and pleasing the husband. So it is expected for Kafka to have this view as a man living during this time period. The feminist lens can be commonly used to address themes like: role reversal and gender equality in the book as feministic view is a major perspective to look from. “…Then he saw his mother rush to his father’s side, her unfastened skirts slipping one by one from her waist about her as she ran, saw her stumble across these skirts as she threw herself at his father and, embracing him, in perfect union with him.” (32). Opposing the feminist view, women are valued only for their duty to please a man. Gregor’s mother’s actions and his father’s response confirm this view, Gregor’s mother has to become in “perfect union” with her husband to try and transfer his attention from …show more content…
Furthermore he knows that it was expected of her not to work: “whose lifestyle no one would begrudge her…” (23). Kafka sees it as impossible for her to find work and objects her to what females commonly are required to do such as “…dressing nicely, sleeping late, helping out around the house, taking part in few modest entertainments…” (23). Showing how strong gender requirements were influenced, practiced and never deviated from. This is strange because the sister was fully capable of work and was old enough to find it however, due to the views on females was unable to even if she wanted to even by her brother he seemingly wants the best for