In The Metamorphosis and The Bicentennial Man there are major physical transformations: the former changes from human to animal, while the latter changes from robot to human. Among many important distinctions between these changes, I want to emphasize continuity. Interestingly, Gregor’s transformation is immediate, while Andrew’s occurs throughout the book. In this paper, I will show that, in the end, both protagonists should be considered human. Moreover, both characters can be considered the same person as before the transformation, despite being exceptionally different by the end. First, it is necessary to understand what it means to be yourself. Jerrold Seigel, Professor Emeritus of History at New York University, describes the three
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In The Metamorphosis, Gregor’s completely loses his ability to use language to speak with his family (5). His general manager could only describe Gregor’s attempt at communication “an animal’s voice” (11), distinctly noting the difference from that of a human. Gregor has already left the realm of humanness. Language, while seemingly trivial, contributes significantly to identity. It allows people to “express emotions, share feelings, tell stories, and convey complex messages” (Kim and Mattila). Taking away speech creates a major barrier with his family that makes Gregor seem more a stranger than kin. Andrew’s change is language use is much more slow and deliberate. He begins with very straightforward, humble language, speaking with deference as he is not yet free. Rather than using their real names, Andrew begins by calling his family Sir, Ma’am, Miss, and Little Miss (2). However, by the end of the short story, Andrew was using less formal phrases. For example, when describing his major surgery, called it a “gamble… [he] had to [take]” (21). This phrase is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it shows that he is learning. The only other time the word “gamble” is mentioned is when Congressman Lihsing says “we must gamble for it” (19) two pages prior. Andrew must have heard this expression, using context clues to understand the connotation behind the word gamble rather than a more technical term like risk. Second, after learning this information, he specifically uses phrases like that to communicate his humanity. Rather than a robot using only formal language, he is now actively proving his humanness by using everyday
In The Metamorphosis, Gregor’s completely loses his ability to use language to speak with his family (5). His general manager could only describe Gregor’s attempt at communication “an animal’s voice” (11), distinctly noting the difference from that of a human. Gregor has already left the realm of humanness. Language, while seemingly trivial, contributes significantly to identity. It allows people to “express emotions, share feelings, tell stories, and convey complex messages” (Kim and Mattila). Taking away speech creates a major barrier with his family that makes Gregor seem more a stranger than kin. Andrew’s change is language use is much more slow and deliberate. He begins with very straightforward, humble language, speaking with deference as he is not yet free. Rather than using their real names, Andrew begins by calling his family Sir, Ma’am, Miss, and Little Miss (2). However, by the end of the short story, Andrew was using less formal phrases. For example, when describing his major surgery, called it a “gamble… [he] had to [take]” (21). This phrase is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it shows that he is learning. The only other time the word “gamble” is mentioned is when Congressman Lihsing says “we must gamble for it” (19) two pages prior. Andrew must have heard this expression, using context clues to understand the connotation behind the word gamble rather than a more technical term like risk. Second, after learning this information, he specifically uses phrases like that to communicate his humanity. Rather than a robot using only formal language, he is now actively proving his humanness by using everyday