The Panther Poem Analysis

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The Animalization in The Metamorphosis Including Feelings of Isolation and Powerlessness in Comparison to “The Panther” The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, tells the story about a man’s transformation into a bug. Through his journey in his new life as a bug, he experiences many emotions such as isolation and powerlessness. His family is frightened and disgusted with him and he must learn how to adapt to his new life. “The Panther”, by Rainer Rilke, also displays feelings of isolation and powerlessness. The story and poem compare in the emotions they depict to the reader. This essay will compare the emotions illustrated in “The Panther” and The Metamorphosis, while also analyzing the way animalization is portrayed in The Metamorphosis through the use …show more content…
From the moment that Gregor is changed into this bug, the people around him begin to view him differently. His father no longer sees him as his hard-working son; instead, he is a nuance to the family. His father’s feelings towards Gregor are shown through the times that he shoves Gregor back into his room when he tries to escape and the incident when he wants to hurt Gregor because he believes he hurt the mother. To the father, Gregor is just a bug. The Metamorphosis displays intense emotions of powerlessness, isolation, and alienation. “The Panther”, likewise, depicts the same emotions. The panther, in the poem, is a caged animal. The panther knows no other world than the world of the cage. The panther looks beyond the bars of the cage and cannot see any other world. These feelings of powerlessness and alienation are frequently shown in The Metamorphosis. When Gregor is transformed into a bug his family pushes him out. They are frightened and disgusted with him and do not want him to leave his room. Gregor lives the same caged life as the panther. Kafka writes, “no sooner was he in his room again than the door was hastily pressed shut, locked and

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