Metamorphosis Essay #2

Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis is recognized for its extensive use of symbolism, leading it to have nearly limitless interpretations by its readers. Symbols vary from Gregor's metamorphosis into the creature, to his window, to his fasting. Put together, these symbols give the quick read a great depth to it. Kafka's use of these shows the extent of his talents and ability to put greater meaning behind practically every object and person. Because of this, Kafka was able to show the state of man during his time, and through the use of symbolism, better get his idea across.

Kafka begins the story with what would be the climax in most stories, Gregor transforming into a "monstrous vermin." This shape-shifting is more than a simple plot device though, it is Kafka's critique on 20th century man. the 20th century man wakes up, goes to work, comes home, eats, goes to bed, and does it all again the next day. Modern life and even society itself has come to isolate the individual. Gregor the Roach represents this loneliness and alienation from the world around him as he is stuck in his room for months on end.

While dealing with his situation, Gregor passes the time by staring out the window. Kafka uses this to serve as a representation of the life that was once had by Gregor, and the life he is now cut off from. It is a symbol used in many other works of literature wherein a character is confined in some way to a room or building and can do nothing more than helplessly look out and wish they could be on the other side of the glass. Gregor, due to his hideous form, is forced to live in his room and spend his days wishing he was on the other side again.

These unfulfilled wishes, coupled with his family's straining over money leads Gregor to stop eating his food and fasting instead. Guilt has overcome the creature, still able to think as Gregor, and he can not bear to see his family suffer anymore because of him. The fasting represents Gregor's crushing guilt and wish to escape his fate, eventually leading to his starvation and death. This self-sacrifice unburdens the family of him and acts as a final cleansing of the pain he was feeling from living as the creature.

These symbols work very well to express Kafka's disdain for the isolated lives men are forced to lead in modern times, the world passing them by, and some men's escape from the pain their lives bring them. The fact that all these views are given in just over 50 pages is amazing. The ability to cohesively use these symbols are what give The Metamorphosis its great weight and lasting appeal. Without such brilliant writing and use of symbolism as a further way of getting his point across, Kafka's short story would be nothing more than a man becoming a roach.