A Literature Review: Symbolism and Family in The Metamorphosis

This literature review analyzes Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, exploring the symbolism of Gregor's transformation into an insect and its connection to his alienated existence. It examines Grete's transformation from a supportive sister to someone resentful of Gregor's condition, highlighting the shifting family dynamics. The review delves into the complex relationships between Gregor and each family member, including his mother, father, and sister, illustrating their evolving attitudes towards him. It concludes by discussing the family's reaction to Gregor's death, portraying their sense of relief and the opportunity for a fresh start, free from the burden of his transformed state. The review uses specific quotes and details from the story to support its arguments.

Running head: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature Review
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1LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Symbolism of Gregor’s metamorphosis
Gregor Samsa is a working salesman who wakes up and discovers that his body
resembles that of an insect. Gregor’s bug body holds resemblance to his disappointing life as
a human bug. This transformation led to Gregor becoming alienated from his family, his job
and ultimately, his humanity. The central theme that revolves around his metamorphosis is
alienation, both physically and psychologically. In a way, Kafka turns Gregor into an insect
so that he will be better able to live life authentically and realistically, as compared to how
unsatisfied he was in his human life. Gregor is described to be “squirming” (3) and also
“shocked to hear his own voice” (5), which shows his struggle to realize who he is now as he
has turned into what his family and society want him to be.
2. Grete’s metamorphosis
Grete was the only member of the Samsa family who was willing to help Gregor after his
metamorphosis, turning into being his one and only advocate in the family. Throughout the
story, the readers see Grete regularly bringing Gregor food and anything else he might need,
along with rearranging all the furniture in his room to make it easier for him to move around.
However towards the end of the story, Grete starts to feel resentful towards Gregor since she
does not want to take care of him anymore. Grete finally gets an actual job but she is still
expected to come back and take care of Gregor. In the end, it was her that suggested that the
family get rid of Gregor. Her transformation is basically that of a young naïve girl turning
into a mature young woman.
3. Relationship between Gregor and his family
As Gregor begins his transformation, it becomes a little difficult to understand what his
relationship was like with his mother before. However, what can be gathered from the

2LITERATURE REVIEW
information provided is that since Gregor was the main breadwinner of his family, his mother
was initially very grateful but after a while it came to a point where she came to expect it.
Gregor does not have an ideal relationship with his father. Before his metamorphosis,
Gregor never questioned the fairness of the situation where he was required to be the sole
breadwinner of the family while his father made little to no efforts to contribute. Gregor’s
father shows no sympathy towards Gregor after his transformation, and instead becomes very
violent towards him in various situations mentioned in the book. His father refers to him as
the “intruder”, while he acts like the true patriarchal saviour of Gregor’s mother and sister
from this creature that Gregor had become.
Gregor was shown to be close with his younger sister Grete. If this same situation would
have happened to Grete, he would have done the same for her and that is the kind of mutual
sibling love that they share. Gregor sees his sister as someone who needs to be protected from
the big, bad world.
4. Families reaction to Gregor’s death and the reason behind it
The overall family’s reaction to Gregor’s death seems to be that of a mixture of relief and
hope. His mother and sister hug each other, and his father demands the mother to give him
attention that they both readily provide. This family members, who did not do any more than
rest all throughout the day found Gregor’s death as an event for which they “deserved a
break”. The family is relieved as they have finally gotten rid of the “thing” living in their
house.