Here is video commentary on Metamorphosis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRhvW1m3wQA
The author first gives a description of the great work. She states that the main character was obsessed with working, in order to provide to his family. He did everything and anything to provide food and shelter for then. suddenly , one day he woke up and his life took a 180 turn. He was transformed into an insect overnight. At first, he keep this to himself. Finally, he brought himself to tell his family what happened to him. When he finally reveals himself to his family, they completely isolate him. This isolation represents the anti semitism that exists during this time period. Anti semitism is defined as discrimination against or prejudice or hostility toward Jews. This stemmed from the imperialism during this time period. Imperialism is defined as the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies. Because of this, there was extreme anti semitism against Jews during this time period. The pressure for jewish children and jews in general was so great. It was almost unbearable for everyone at the time. It was so bad people were literally stepped on. This affected the main character in Metamorphosis in that he was literally left to die. It is interesting because he did anything an everything to provide the means for his family, yet when he needed support everyone turned their back on him. The reasoning behind this is that he is a jew. Who he is should not matter. As long as he is human, he should be helped. All the more, he is part of their family and he did everything he could for them and they should do the same at the very least.