Symbolism In Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis

Often when discussing works of literature, there are many aspects that are taken into consideration. Critics often look at style, prose, plot line, consistency, the best writers are the ones that can combine these mediums into one piece that is engaging and meaningful. These mediums are very important tools of literature, but it can also be argued that what is not said is just as or even more important than what is. The influence of symbolism gives a story depth and can take flat characters, elevate and give them dimension. Symbolism is very evident in much of Kafka’s writing. The simple definition of a symbol is something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention. Symbolism is important because it can branch …show more content…
In the beginning it is mentioned that the sister’s violin playing is something that only Gregor appreciates. He encourages his sister’s violin playing and says that he wants to send her to the conservatory so that she can further her talent, Gregor plans this knowing that his parents disprove and in the beginning see Grete’s violin playing as a waste of time. From the beginning it is clear that Gregor is a person who deeply appreciates the arts, despite the fact that they produce no financial purpose. Even after his metamorphosis Gregor still appreciates music and it plays as a symbol of his humanity. “His sister began to play...Attracted by the playing, Gregor had dared to come out a little further and already had his head in the living room. It hardly surprised him that lately he was showing so little consideration for others; once consideration had been his greatest pride”.The sound of Grete playing for the lodgers pulls him out of his quasi-depression and causes him to leave the sanctity of his room. In the end, it can even be said that the music pulling him out of his room contributed to fastening his death. Prior to that incident he did not know the deep resentment his family felt towards