In the beginning chapter of Franz Kafka’s novel The Metamorphosis despite Gregor’s sudden mutation, Gregor “ - hadn’t the slightest thought of abandoning his family (17).” Kafka’s clear indication in that, although Gregor has faced an unfaminable change in physicality, his main priority has and is his family. As we delve into the first chapter of Kafka’s novel Gregor’s family’s priorities change drastically.
The Analysis
By the end of the first chapter Gregor’s position as the sole provider and beloved son has morphed into that of an repulsive insect. His father and mother of whom have been the center of the copious debt owed, are now frightened of his change, prompting his father to act out in violence. As we read along Gregor’s father voice was “ no longer anything like the voice of merely one father(24).” Continuing further into the text we see the harm Gregor’s father elicits toward him as he tries to escape into the bedroom. As Gregor tries to return to safety he is struck by his father, leaving him “bleeding profusely (24)” and legs “painfully crushed on the ground(24)” as he is ultimately, abandoned in the room. Kafka is clear in establishing throughout the chapter of how important family is to Gregor, his strenuous days all adding up to financially secure his family. The striking and ironic turn of events in the relationship between Gregor and his family, and how Kafka brings in these ideas in such clarity with a peculiar sense in the first chapter of The Metamorphosis , begs to bring into question Kafka’s view of family values within his own personal experience. …show more content…
How does Kafka’s unusual way of introducing The Metamorphosis to readers relate to his own personal
The Analysis
By the end of the first chapter Gregor’s position as the sole provider and beloved son has morphed into that of an repulsive insect. His father and mother of whom have been the center of the copious debt owed, are now frightened of his change, prompting his father to act out in violence. As we read along Gregor’s father voice was “ no longer anything like the voice of merely one father(24).” Continuing further into the text we see the harm Gregor’s father elicits toward him as he tries to escape into the bedroom. As Gregor tries to return to safety he is struck by his father, leaving him “bleeding profusely (24)” and legs “painfully crushed on the ground(24)” as he is ultimately, abandoned in the room. Kafka is clear in establishing throughout the chapter of how important family is to Gregor, his strenuous days all adding up to financially secure his family. The striking and ironic turn of events in the relationship between Gregor and his family, and how Kafka brings in these ideas in such clarity with a peculiar sense in the first chapter of The Metamorphosis , begs to bring into question Kafka’s view of family values within his own personal experience. …show more content…
How does Kafka’s unusual way of introducing The Metamorphosis to readers relate to his own personal