How is Gregor’s family transformed in the wake of his metamorphosis?
Prior to his metamorphosis, Gregor was overwhelmed by the pressure of supporting his family and paying off his father’s debt. No one in the family worked besides him. However, since Gregor can no longer work because of his physical transformation, the family is forced to sell personal belongings and pick up jobs to survive. In a way, though they face a tough financial situation, the circumstance has nudged everyone in the family to pick up their own responsibility and contribute. From this perspective, Gregor’s metamorphosis has a positive impact on family.
Explain your understanding of Gregor’s death. How/why does he ultimately die?
Gregor suffers from his transformation. His physical appearance has changed into a bug meanwhile still possessing human consciousness. His inability to go to work to support his family, communicate with his sister, and prove to his family that he is still the person they know truly hurts him. Moreover, his family has caused even more pain for Gregor. It seems like they are paying more attention to Gregor but in reality, they are actually embarrassed by what he has turned into. Instead of treating him like a true family member, they refuse to acknowledge his inner presence as a human. Aching from inability to function as a human and cold affection from family, Gregor decides that death is the relieve. This plot kind of reminds me the story “Punishment” as both main characters end their lives to free themselves from pain.
Ryan, Thanks for these responses. I would agree that there is a sense in which Gregor’s transformation appears to have a positive effect on the rest of his family. You also seem to be suggesting that Gregor’s death is somehow hastened by the way his family treats him. The connection to “Punishment” is an interesting one. I suppose that both texts could be read as suggesting that familial bonds are less secure and unconditional than we imagine them to be.