Though not many philosophers agree on one certain definition, Existentialism is the belief that you are in control of your choices and fate. It is centered around the idea of finding the purpose of your life through different experiences and accepting the consequences of your actions. In the novel, The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka uses an odd situation to express existential views. The short story reflects on the story of the Samsa family and how they respond to the transition of their son’s/ brothers transition into a vermin. Gregor Samsa is an existential character in that feels alienated, lived through anguish and despair and lead a life of absurdity.
First and Foremost, the main character, Gregor Samsa wakes up as a bug without any explanation, …show more content…
In the first part of the novel, he complains about the disadvantages of being a traveling salesman. The line states, “I’ve got the torture of traveling, worrying about traveling trains, eating miserable foods at all hours, constantly seeing new faces, no relationships that last or get intimate. To the Devil with it all!” This quotation indicates a feeling of isolation and lack of social interaction which leads Gregor to the feeling of alienation. In addition, when a work manager shows up to check on Gregor, his mother in an attempt to save her son’s job explains how Gregor’s isn’t distracted by others. On pg 10 it said, “That boy has nothing on his mind but the business...he never goes out [at] nights...He sits there with us at the table, quietly reading the paper or studying timetables.” All this shows a lack of identity and individuality, which leads the reader to think that his transition was a metaphorical symbol for the lack of his humanity. Before his transition, Gregor Samsa led a tedious life, similar to that of a bug. He lacked the motivation to leave his bed, skipping the times he set for himself to get up and was given no choice of creativity or choice due to his obligations to his family. Afterward, he continued to feel alienated as his family members refused to spend more than a few minutes with him or communicate with him. He was
First and Foremost, the main character, Gregor Samsa wakes up as a bug without any explanation, …show more content…
In the first part of the novel, he complains about the disadvantages of being a traveling salesman. The line states, “I’ve got the torture of traveling, worrying about traveling trains, eating miserable foods at all hours, constantly seeing new faces, no relationships that last or get intimate. To the Devil with it all!” This quotation indicates a feeling of isolation and lack of social interaction which leads Gregor to the feeling of alienation. In addition, when a work manager shows up to check on Gregor, his mother in an attempt to save her son’s job explains how Gregor’s isn’t distracted by others. On pg 10 it said, “That boy has nothing on his mind but the business...he never goes out [at] nights...He sits there with us at the table, quietly reading the paper or studying timetables.” All this shows a lack of identity and individuality, which leads the reader to think that his transition was a metaphorical symbol for the lack of his humanity. Before his transition, Gregor Samsa led a tedious life, similar to that of a bug. He lacked the motivation to leave his bed, skipping the times he set for himself to get up and was given no choice of creativity or choice due to his obligations to his family. Afterward, he continued to feel alienated as his family members refused to spend more than a few minutes with him or communicate with him. He was