I loved the ending to Metamorphosis. It looked like a really colorful and serene scene filled with never ending happiness. I pictured it in the same manner as this painting by Georges-Pierre Seurat

The image gives off an melancholy day, but in reality, everyones face is stoic and straight giving off a feeling of a meaningless feelings rather than excitement; nonetheless, I love this painting just as I love the end of the book. The only times where we actually are in a similar situation to the Samsa’s is when we take care of a parent or elderly person who goes through a mental breakdown such as dementia or schizophrenia.

We can see the person and he would look exactly as he always did, but the mental capacity is nearly gone. The person you have always loved almost seems lost, and that is what Gregor became to the family. He was an empty soul and even worse Gregor’s outside appearance was gone as well. The frustration that the situation ensues is one where the family begins to deteriorate mentally, financially and physically because you have to continuously give care and aid to your family member whereas you could’ve used all that time, money, and effort on something that could be more helpful to your livelihood. This article I read really shows how much you have to give in order to take care of a parent. 

Now obviously the two situations cannot be classified in the same category per se, but it is what resembles life most closely. In the end, Gregor does die and, although it sounds very vulgar and disgusting and shameful to say, the family was liberated; comparably, when that parent does pass away, the family is also liberated of all the work and struggle they had to put in to help that family member. In the end I feel like the family was deeply sad for the loss of their son, just as a family would be to, but now both can finally open their doors and leave without worry about the dangers and G-d forbid moments that is constantly in their mind.