Metamorphosis – Sumi Paul

Discuss the theme of food and eating. What role does it play in “The Metamorphosis”?

The theme of food is often discussed throughout the story. When Gregor first transformed into a bug, his sister whom he is closest to in the family had left him milk, since it was his favorite as a human. Her actions show that although he does not look the same, she still cares for him because she still considers him to be family. When she noticed he did not drink the milk, she goes as far as leaving different types of food to see what his transformed self likes now. She goes out of her way to show that she cares for him. However, this changes as the story continues, when Gregor noticed the family caring less for him. His family had put less effort in providing food for him. Gregor even notices how the tenants were being fed by his mother and sister whereas he was not being treated the same. Gregor said “The way those tenants fill their boots, while I’m left to starve!” The role of food in this story represents care. As Gregor was being fed less, it showed how his family had lost interest in caring for him. He felt as though they were resenting him and by showing more care to others who were not family. 

Look at the final paragraph of the story. How does it shape or alter our understanding of the text?

In the final paragraph of the story, the family went to a park. They felt as though they finally got a break from Gregor. The fact that Gregor was a son and brother to them, we would expect them to at least mourn over his death. Instead, they were “Sitting back comfortably in their seats, they discussed the prospects for the future…” They discussed how they would buy a new home and begin their life without Gregor. This last paragraph shows how they detached themselves from Gregor completely. This is why it was so easy for them to move forward and plan for their future. They had already come to the understanding that he was going to die, which is why they cared less for him and easily moved on after his death. The final paragraph allows us to realize that his worth in the family was nothing more than a means for providing for the family.