great works ii – 2850 jta 12:25-2:05: love letters from the world

The Chief Clerk and Gregor’s father have contrasting reactions towards the metamorphosis of Gregor. At the sight of Gregor, the Chief Clerk recoiled in horror and began to “[slowly] retreat as if being pushed back by an invisible but resistible force.” (217). However, Gregor’s father’s reaction was one of hostility as “[moved] forward implacably, emitting hissing sounds like a savage.” (219). He eventually forced Gregor back inside his room. The Chief Clerk was terrified at Gregor and Gregor’s father was hostile towards Gregor. Upon discovering the death of Gregor, the cleaning lady was actually in shock and disbelief. Gregor was usually resistant to the presence of the cleaning lady trespassing into his room. However, this time she entered, Gregor displayed no form of resistance and was dead. The cleaning lady was astonished as she quoted, “Have a look, it’s gone and perished it’s lying there, and its perished!” (239). Gregor’s death comes as a surprise for the cleaning lady. Gregor’s father was relieved by Gregor’s death as he says, “Now we can give thanks to God.” (240). It seems that he was actually grateful and happy that Gregor had finally died. From the beginning to the end of the story, Gregor’s father has seen his son as a nuisance and is finally consoled by his son’s death. The father’s reaction is one of joy in the end.