When reading Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, I experienced many different emotions. In the beginning, I was disgusted by the idea of a man turning into a cockroach; however, as I continued reading, I began to feel compassion and sympathy for Gregor.
“I HATE COCKROACHES! – News – Bubblews.” Bubblews – Speak Freely. Write Your World.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://www.bubblews.com/news/151224-i-hate-cockroaches>.
When I began the book, I was very surprised and almost angered by Gregor’s calm and nonchalant reaction toward his situation. When Gregor awoke as a cockroach, he was more concerned about being late to work than his transformation. I understand that he provides the financial support for his family; however, his reaction seems unrealistic. Personally, I think that he should have been more concerned and freaked out.
“I’m Late, I’m Late, I’m Late!! — Creative Clarity Coaching.” Creative Clarity Coaching —. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://creativeclaritycoaching.com/im-late-im-late-im-late>.
“Stock Photos and Royalty Free Images from 123RF Stock Photography .” Stock Photos and Royalty Free Images from 123RF Stock Photography . N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://www.123rf.com>.
As I continued the book, I began to feel bad for Gregor. After Gregor’s family sees him, they react in horror and over time, they begin to neglect him. Gregor becomes a burden on the family. They keep him trapped and encaged in his room, isolated from the outside world.
“Neglected – The B.A.D. Blog – Ninjabetic – The B.A.D. Blog.” The B.A.D. Blog – Ninjabetic – The B.A.D. Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013. <http://www.ninjabetic.com/thebadblog/2011>.
“Trapped In A Cage, Amongst My Window Pane by *Bewildered-Scribbler on deviantART.” Bewildered-Scribbler (.Where Poetry Is Embroidered In Such Imperfection.) on deviantART. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://bewildered-scribbler.deviantart.com/art/Trapped-In-A-Cage-Amongst-My-Window-Pane-340325701>.
I was heartbroken by the family’s response to Gregor’s transformation. Family is supposed to love unconditionally and support you no matter what; however, Gregor’s family does not. They no longer consider the cockroach to be their son or brother, which shows that they do not genuinely love him.
“Heartbreak Graphics, Heartbreak Photography, Broken Heart Graphics.”Tumblr Themes, Tumblr Backgrounds, New Tumblr Themes. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://www.cherrybam.com/heartbreak-graphics.php>.
In the end, I was shocked and sad by Gregor’s death. I was especially upset by his family’s reaction to his death. They were very calm and continued on with their lives like nothing happened. Although I hoped for a happy ending; ultimately, I believe death was the only way to end Gregor’s suffering.
“No Life : No Hope by Deedeekinz on deviantART.” Deedeekinz (Deedeekinz) on deviantART. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://deedeekinz.deviantart.com/art/No-Life-No-Hope-279371874>.
“No hope, no love, no glory, no happy ending | Flickr – Photo Sharing!.”Welcome to Flickr – Photo Sharing. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/letmebeyourmaybe/6294765917/>.
I think it’s interesting that you say death was Gregor’s only way of not suffering. For the entirety of his life he was submissive and without control. It’s only until the ultimate act of losing his power as a human being and becoming a cockroach that he takes a stand. Therefore, I consider Gregor’s submission to death as the only action in life he did to try to take control of. Although one could argue that deciding to die is not a real act of rebellion, I think considering what we know about Gregor’s personality (meek and tolerant to the point of err), his choice in a purposeful death was as much as he could do within the realm of his nature. I think in analyzing Gregor’s death we also have to take into consideration Kafka’s life. It would have been an incredible story if Gregor ultimately escaped out of the room and found peace and happiness as King of all the cockroaches. But that doesn’t fit in with Kafka’s purpose in writing this short story; to project his feelings onto the fictional life of Gregor in a symbolic way. For Kafka to give Gregor death by his own means gives Gregor a power Kafka always wished for.
Ariel, your picture of the man reaching out with his hand truly summarizes Gregor’s situation. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. The emotions that almost seem as ineffable are clearly depicted in that picture. In addition, the black backdrop greatly conveys the idea of captivity. This image contrasts with the colorful image you chose to represent the daily routine of Gregor. I can’t help but notice that despite his monotonous lifestyle, Gregor was somewhat content with his job. He even told the Chief Clerk that he liked his job no matter how stressful and tedious it got.
At the end, I was looking for a pleasant end as well. I thought maybe Gregor would appreciate his life more after he turned human, but of course, that didn’t happen. Overall, however, I think Gregor deserved better given his selfless nature and care for his family.
I love the third image you used of trapped. It perfectly forms my reactions on the Metamorphosis into one image. But, I disagree with your statement that his family felt like he was burden. In fact, I think by the end of the book when he died, they realized that they needed him more than they thought.
Also, I agree with how you felt about his family’s reaction. I also felt upset and sympathized with his pain of isolation and neglect from his family. He should’ve been more accepted, but, I wonder what I would’ve done in their situation as well?
By the end though, only then can you truly see the light of the situation and can see that the only way to show the impact of his life was for him to die.
Great visuals by the way!