The Metamorphosis

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Author:

Franz Kafka

Published:

1915

Setting:

Major Characters:

Gregor Samsa: becomes a bug (I know, a little bizarre, I believe this is what is called "grotesque"), despised, worked for his family, represents Kafka
Grete: Gregor's beautiful sister, takes care of Gregor but wants him gone
Mr. Samsa: controlling, manipulative, only wanted Gregor to work for him
Mrs. Samsa: Gregor's mother, manipulative, superficial love for children

Minor Characters:

Cleaning lady: bony old woman, does housework, not disgusted by Gregor
Manager: questions Gregor's work ethic, then is confounded by Gregor's change
Boarders: mean, don't pay the rent, gluttonous, intrigued by Gregor

Themes:

Isolation leads to alienation.
True love in unconditional.
Love is essential for life and happiness.
Hopelessness leads to disparity.

Symbols:

Cockroach: illness, tuberculosis, disgust, victim
Apple: Adam, pain
Uniform: authority, power
Lock: isolated, alienated
Boarders: society
Picture: individuality, humanity
Hospital: illness, disability

Allusions:

Dull pain on sides: Jesus was stabbed with a sword
Apple: Adam and the apple
Gregor on the picture: Jesus on the crucifix
White spots: spots on tuberculosis lungs
Beetle: original sin and disease
Three: boarders, o'clock, doors, month

Ironies:

Father is healthier while working; he was lethargic before.
The father feels better but still looks for someone to take the responsibility.
"Samsa" means "I am alone".
Gregor was a traveling salesman, but he was not very sociable.
He did not enjoy music as a human, but he loved it as a bug.

Point of View:

Third person limited omniscient. Gregor's point of view until he dies.

Ending:

Gregor dies of neglection, infection, and starvation. His family leaves to a new place to forget Gregor. His father is looking for a husband for Grete.

Other Important Notes:

Kafka lived during the Industrial Revolution. His parents were manipulative. He had tuberculosis. His father made him become a lawyer, but he loved to write. Kafka uses grotesque realism.

Brief Summary:

Gregor wakes up one morning as a bug. He worries about getting to work on time. His manager shows up but leaves when he sees Gregor's state. Grete becomes his caretaker but despises him. They try to move out all of Gregor's furniture, but he sits on his picture. His father throws an apple, and it sticks in his back. Finally he dies, and his family leaves to begin a new life.

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