Transformation Of Gregor Samsa In Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis

The onset of modern medicine has brought cures or at least alleviations for the most bizarre and outlandish diseases. It has most definitely instilled the notion in humanity that almost any ailment is worth some medical attention, or at worst a prayer, nothing is a lost cause. Yet, the sudden transformation of Gregor Samsa, in Franz Kafka’s novel, The Metamorphosis into a ghastly vermin brings no attempt from him or his family to cure him or alleviate his unfortunate situation. This kind of reaction is perplexing because of modern society 's tendency and willingness to try to fix the most dire situations. Despite the metamorphosis happening over night, the Samsa family accepts this change without any resistance and instead adapts to a new way of life. The Samsa …show more content…
From this moment on, the Samsa’s no longer regard Gregor as their son. Mr.Samsa immediately wants to reject Gregor by hiding him in his room. The thought of a cure is lost in the selfish fears of the family members because they are too concerned about how awful the infestation is instead of remembering that the bug is also their son. The vermin is too visually grotesque for the family to feel any empathy towards it. Gregor himself is not trying to scare his family away but can not subdue his animalistic instincts, “at the sight of the spilling coffee he could not resist snapping his jaws several times in the air. At this his mother screamed once more, fled from the table, and fell into the arms of his father” (17). Even after the initial reveal and shock, there is no way for Gregor to regain the trust of his family. His simple mannerisms and instincts, that are most likely uncontrollable, are so inhuman that they break any chance for connection with his family. After the reveal, Gregor must stay out of sight to receive minimal care, but the shock of the reveal eliminates a chance for his family to actually try to heal