Exploring Alienation and Conformity in the Metamorphosis
In The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka conveys the series of emotional and psychological repercussions of a physical transformation that befalls the protagonist, a young salesman called Gregor Samsa. As the story progresses, Gregor finds himself unfairly stigmatized, cruelly rejected because of his clear inability to financially support his family, and consequently increasingly isolated. Through extensive use of symbolism, Kafka is able to relate the surreal and absurd, seemingly arbitrary events of this short story to a general critique of society-particularly on the alienating effects that conformity generates. On a broader level, the combined themes-which include the themes of conformity, freedom, and alienation--found throughout The Metamorphosis reveal Kafka's attitude toward humanity and his existentialist leanings. Yet another vital device Kafka employs is the unconventional structure, albeit to great effect, that the story is written in. Kafka juxtaposes all three elemen! ts-symbolism, theme, and structure--to ultimately present a sort of critique on humanity by arguing that the desire to conform is a driving force behind the alienation of individuals. Through extensive use of symbolism, Kafka is able to relate the absurd, seemingly arbitrary events of this short story to a general critique of society. Gregor's Cheng 2 gradual physical starvation symbolizes and corresponds to an emotional and psychological starvation. Because of his inability to communicate in a human voice--"that was an animal's voice" (Kafka), observes Gregor's boss at one point--although he able to understand human "speak"--which arguably makes the situation all the more tragic and depressing for him--he is no longer able to socially interact, especially since his family refuses to even acknowledge his presence. Since intelligent communication is such an inherently, undeniably intrinsic part of what defines humanity, and Gregor can no longer communicate, a large portion of Gregor's emotional
Cited: Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Publishing, 1915.