Assignment week #13

1. Ultimately, what do you think Gregor’s metamorphosis means?  What does it mean to be transformed into a giant bug?

Ultimately, I think Gregor’s metamorphosis represents that even as a human being he wasn’t really considered a human but only a machine to his family. This is clarified when Gregor’s mother points out by saying “You know that boy has nothing but work in his head! It almost worries me that he never goes out on his evenings off; he’s been in the city now for the past week, but he’s spent evening at home.” (214) Gregor’ had already been isolated from life and the people around him, so his metamorphosis means dehumanization that he had already been going through. Also, his metamorphosis allows the family members to find their own purpose and responsibilities and it represents change not only to him but everyone. To be transformed into a giant bug is a reflection of isolation and loneliness Gregor was going through as a person.

2. Explain your understanding of Gregor’s death.  How/why does he ultimately die?

Gregor death represents frustration from his family because he dies by starvation and his family hatred.  “We must get rid of it,’ cried the sister again, ‘that’s the only thing for it, Father. You just have to put from your mind any thought that it’s Gregor. Our continuing to think that it was, for such a long time, therein lies the source of our misfortune. But how can it be Gregor? If it was Gregor, he would long ago have seen that it’s impossible for human beings to live together with an animal like that, and he would have left of his own free will.” Gregor’s lack of abuse and love from his family has a huge impact on his condition, his father injures him seriously after throwing an apple and seeing how he has become a burden to his family, he chooses not to eat.