Author Question: The Metamorphosis takes place entirely in the Samsa family apartment. How does the storys home ... (Read 494 times)

pragya sharda · **on:** Jul 20, 2018

The Metamorphosis takes place entirely in the Samsa family apartment. How does the storys home setting shape its themes?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What things about Gregor have been changed? What seems to haveremained the same? List specific qualities.

What will be an ideal response?

ghepp · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Except for the final scene, all of The Metamorphosis takes place in the Samsa family apartment. This claustrophobic setting underscores the domestic nature of the story. Kafkas psychological and mythic focus is on the familyespecially the relationship between child and parents. It is worth noting that the two Samsa children have Christian namesGregor and Gretewhereas Mr. and Mrs. Samsa lack first names. In fact, the parents are usually called by the archetypal names of Father and Mother. (Curiously, although Kafka himself was Jewish, he makes the Samsas Christiannotice the reference to Christmas and how the family makes a sign of the cross over Gregors dead body; the story suggests Christian as well as Jewish readings.) As Gregor hides in his room, he listens to his family. He becomes a passive witness to their lives. Some critics feel that the central action of the story involves the family more than Gregor; his transformation is only the catalyst to their drama. It might be worth asking the class if they agree or disagree with this emphasis.

Answer to Question 2

While Gregor has undergone a complete physical metamorphosis, he changes very little mentallyat least at first. He is still beset by all his usual worries. Gradually, however, Gregor seems to regress. He accepts his own ineffectiveness and passivity; he also accepts his own monstrous unworthiness and repulsiveness. He becomes childlike in his complete dependence on his family, whereas earlier he had supported them. He not only becomes filthy but slowly loses any shame about his squalid condition. Eventually, he even accepts his own death. His own belief that he must disappear was, if anything, even firmer than his sisters (par. 89). He has no resentment for his family; he thinks of them with deep emotion and love. Monstrous and dying, he remains an obedient son.