An examination of Franz and Hermann Kafka’s relationship similarly expressed in the fictional relationship between Gregor and Mr. Samsa suggests that a strained father-child relationship is often the result of the parent not understanding/supporting his or her child’s dreams/passions. In Matilda, Harry Wormwood’s attitude and treatment towards his daughter wins him the Worst Dad Award. Just as Hermann Kafka (who first worked as a traveling sales representative, then became his own boss of a goods and clothing retail business) wanted his son to participate in the family business, Mr. Wormwood is a cars salesman who wants his children to follow the same path. Just as Hermann sneers at Franz’ passion for writing and literature, Mr. Wormwood disapproves of Matilda’s interest in reading and learning. In fact, Mr. Wormwood once tears up Matilda’s library book and forces her to watch television with the rest of the family instead.
In this clip, Mr. Wormwood takes his favorite son and the often referred to “mistake” (Matilda) to his auto dealership. He shares his business model (aka cheating, cheating, cheating) with his kids. After hearing Matilda challenge his ethics, he verbally lashes out at her saying, “I’m smart, you’re dumb; I’m big, you’re little; I’m right, you’re wrong; and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Throughout the film, Mr. Wormwood is neglectful, unsupportive, and verbally abusive towards Matilda. These same characteristics are expressed by Mr. Samsa in The Metamorphosis, who parallels Hermann Kafka’s tyrannical, domineering presence in real life. Fortunately, Matilda responds differently than Gregor (and Franz). She remains headstrong, passionate, and keeps practicing her individuality with confidence and boldness. Her love for reading and learning gives her the ultimate courage and comfort.
This suggests to us, as readers and viewers, that although the situation may be the same (e.g. being in an abusive relationship with a parent), how you respond is a choice that still belongs to us (e.g. the child).
