Lagos 1

Jocelyn Lagos

Professor Beadle

Writing 115

December 1, 2018

Transformation and Metamorphosis

Change is inevitable and many of the times we undergo a transformation that has a

tremendous impact on not only ourselves but our loved ones as well. It can be argued whether or

not the changes we endure in life actually have positive impacts and if they help shape us in

becoming better people. In the book ​The Metamorphosis​ by Franz Kafka, the protagonist, Gregor

Samsa’s ​metamorphosis​ goes far beyond a physical one​;​ his transformations transcend loss,

freedom and death. Gregor’s abrupt metamorphosis leads him and his family through ​physical

mental and emotional life changes that ultimately help shape their sense of individuality.

To begin, Gregor drastically changes into a giant vermin and with this we witness the

first ​metamorphosis​ of the story; the loss of his past human physical appearance. Gregor’s new

physical appearance brought fear and confusion to his family, where his metamorphosis could be

associated with death. Although Gregor didn’t actually die, the deconstruction of his human form

began. Loss can oftentimes be associated with: denial, confusion and ignorance, as seen with

Gregor's family. ​In the article "The nightmare of becoming human: Metaphors and reflections for

individuals in search of authentic self ", the author​ Micah Sadigh reinforces the difference

between a metamorphosis and a transformation and this idea of change. Gregor goes through a

metamorphosis because his vermin state is permanent where on the other hand a transformation

is reversible. Gregor then continues on with a sense of loss, he loses his ability to communicate
 Lagos 2

and his human appetite. All the loss experienced brings a sense of dehumanization to Gregor,

where he ponders the purpose of humanity. The loss seen in the story associates with the changes

taking place.

Moreover in the story, Gregor explores the concept of freedom​, a sense of freedom that is

not obtained so easily because Gregor spends most of his time thinking of his previous life. This

then ​takes us through his next ​metamorphosis seen in the story​. When Gregor manages to freely

open the door to his room a sense of freedom and escape is evident. The doors are symbolic of

obstacles that are presented when change arrives in our life. Gregor literally had to open his own

doors to the gateway of freedom and later find his peace. Exploring his new physical state

Gregor finds the most peace and comfort hiding in dark places, so he spends plenty of time under

the couch. As Gregor embraces his new form he also begins to eat spoiled food and crawls the

walls and ceiling of his home. At this point it seems Gregor is at ease with his new reality,

however he refuses to completely let go of his humanity. He continues to look out the window

reminiscent of his human life,“...he would crawl up to the window still and, propped up in the

chair, lean against the window, evidently in some sort of remembrance of the feeling of freedom

he used to have from looking out the window.” (Kafka 28). The windows symbolize a sense ​of

relief from the chaotic world and the audience view​s​ the disconnection between Gregors

mentality and his body​, he is ultimately looking for an escape​. Gregor also refuses to let go of the

image with a woman in a fur hat and boa. Gregor clings to this image because it is a reflection of

a normal human life he once wished to obtain: the pretty girl and the riches. This image serves as

a reminder of previous humanity. ​Gregor spends so much time reminiscing his human life that he

can’t come to the terms and experience actual freedom.

 Lagos 3

Death is the ultimate ​metamorphosis,​ Gregor​’s final process, the slow acceptance of

death being the only solution that was caused by his family​. Gregor dies from an infection due to

the fact that his father lodged an apple in his back. As Cristina Nicolae argues​ in her article

“FRANZ KAFKA'S METAMORPHOTIC PRISON: THE DOOR AND THE WINDOW”​, “the

loss of life is torn through selfishness and loneliness and the only thing remaining is the memory

of a previous life” (Nicolae 6). When Gregor was no use for the family anymore they viewed

him as a disturbance, so much that Gregor began to feel this way as well. His death was caused

by the selfishness and ignorance of his beloved family. Gregor’s death defines his emotional

metamorphosis​ because instead of seeking help he accepts the fact that being dead is the solution

to everyone's problem. His mental state shifts to thinking himself useless to society, which

results with him not eating. It is ironic that Gregor spend so much time looking out his bedroom

window because there was a hospital visible from his view. ​The​ hospital was supposed to

provide relief and assistance to Gregor yet he was incapable of getting there​ himself​. Kafka

challenges the complexity of death​;​ Gregor’s death can be seen as a deep sleep or an escape from

change​, w​here he ​is now​ away from the cruel lonely world and the selfishness that comes along

with it. ​This idea of death is seen as the only method beneficial to the Samsa family.​ Society’s

expectations are so massive and influential that once someone is seen as useless the​y​ are

completely forgotten ​and then replaced by someone beneficial.

Grete Samsa, Gregor’s sister is one of the characters who we see the most transformation

and metamorphosis​ from​, she transforms physically, mentally and emotionally. Grete endures

both a metamorphosis and a transformation because some of her changes can be reversed. S​he is

also the only other character ​in the story​ whose name is known, emphasizing the importance of
 Lagos 4

her role. From the start we notice the bond and the similarities her and Gregor share, but as

Gregor​ begins his metamorphosis​ we see Grete transform into a woman, ​her physical

transformation, ​at the expense of her brother. At the beginning of her brother’s metamorphosis

Grete sympathised with Gregor, bringing him his favorite human foods and rearranging his room

for his own sanity and comfort. The food being a symbolic gesture that Grete cared for brother

Gregor. Grete’s childlike mentality allowed her to love Gregor for who he was despite his

physical appearance. As time progresses Grete transforms into a woman, entering adulthood and

leaving behind her childhood emotions and mentality. With this change she also decides to leave

Gregor behind “But even if his sister, exhausted from her work at the store had gotten fed up

with taking care of Gregor as she used to…” (Kafka 42). Grete begins to find her own voice as

she shadows away from her childhood,​ where it’s important to mention she was​ the one who

suggested the family get rid of Gregor. There are evident parallels between Gregor and Grete,

Grete begins to take on greater roles in the family by finding a job and providing ​financially​ for

her family. There is hope for future successes in Grete’s life, the ending of the book suggest​s​ that

her parents will find her a husband. Grete is now physically, mentally and emotionally

transformed.

Gregor’s father, Mr.Samsa goes through transformations as well, although less drastic

ones but all life changing. ​Mr. Samsa edures mental and emotional transformations, Gregor’s

father did experience change, however these changes were not permanent. ​On the other hand we

don’t see much transformation from Mrs.Samsa​, Gregor’s mother​, her character remains constant

as everyone else endures some sort of change. She continues to love Gregor in his vermin state

but is held back by her husband and ​daughter​ Grete. Due to Gregor’s physical conditions he is
 Lagos 5

unable to continue to be the head provider of his family, so Mr. Samsa has no other choice than

to step up and retake the role. Mr. Samsa’s transformation is acknowledged through the

description Gregor provides of his father’s uniform, “...dressed in a tight fitting blue uniform

with gold buttons, the kind worn by messengers at banking concerns ....” (Kafka 36). A

restoration of self worth, pride and dignity are made aware through the description which help

reflect Mr. Samsa’s emotional ​and mental ​transformation. Mr. Samsa transforms from a

dependent failed man into one that now works to provide for his family. In fact money plays a

crucial role in the story as it defines who is of importance and who is not. Money drives Gregor’s

family members away from what is actually important. The priorities of the family members

shift to those who bring in the money and sustainability. Furthermore, Mr. Samsa continues to

transform, this time in a negative way. The consistency of self pride and dignity diminishes,

where again this is depicted through the description of his work uniform. Mr. Samsa money

hungry attitude never changes although, he does go back to his previous depressed ways,​taking

him back to his previous emotions and mentality​. Kafka’s life is embedded into the text because

the disconnection between Gregor and his father resembles the disconnection Kafka had with his

father.

Many may argue, that any form of change is not beneficial and should be rejected, let

alone a ​transformation​ or complete ​metamorphosis​ as seen in Kafka’s book. The response

Gregor’s family had to his metamorphosis is a great example of this argument. Gregor was

rejected and isolated; his changes were not welcome as they challenged the norms of society.

While his drastic metamorphosis brought confusion and complete isolation, Gregor challenged

the idea of humanity and space. However Gregor’s metamorphosis unknowingly allowed his
 Lagos 6

family to prosper in their own selfish ​and​ misguided ways. With Gregor being unable to provide

for his family Gete and Mr.Samsa had to take on greater roles in their family and not be so

dependent of others. This allowed them to develop their individuality and sense of being in the

world. The changes individuals experience can allow for change in the rest of their family and

loved ones.

In conclusion, Gregor Samsa’s physical metamorphosis into a vermin is evident, although

he lacks complete mental and emotional change. Gregor is torn between a reminiscent past of

humanity and his present vermin state where he challenges his purpose and ​sense of

individuality. All of these changes help and allow for his family to have transformations of their

own, allowing them to explore their sense of being ​and endure physical mental and emotional

transformations.​ These transformations assist in shaping their future lives at the expense of

Gregor’s​ vermin ​life. Overall, the transformations witnessed were guided by societal

expectations which blinded Gregor’s family members to see the brighter side of the picture.
 Lagos 7

Sources

Nicolae, Cristina. (2015). FRANZ KAFKA'S METAMORPHOTIC PRISON: THE

DOOR AND THE WINDOW. ​Studia Universitatis Petru Maior. Philologia,​ (18), 143-150.

Sadigh, Micah. "The nightmare of becoming human: Metaphors and reflections for

individuals in search of authentic self." ​Existential Analysis,​ vol. 28, no. 2, 2017, p. 362+.

Literature Resource Center,​

http://link.galegroup.com.libproxy.csun.edu/apps/doc/A502506279/LitRC?u=csunorthridge&sid

=LitRC&xid=9c73e7dd. Accessed 15 Oct. 2018.

Kafka, Franz., & Lloyd, A. (1946). ​The​ ​Metamorphosis​. New York: Vanguard Press.