A striking difference is evident when comparing the reactions of Gregor’s father and the chief clerk to Gregor’s metamorphosis. In analyzing the two responses we can see that Gregor’s father is aggressive, while the chief clerk is apathetic. As Part I of Kafka’s narrative concludes, we are given a description of Gregor’s father’s reaction: “His father clenched his fist with a pugnacious expression, as if ready to push Gregor back into his room…” (217). One can quickly see that Gregor’s father is in no way accepting, or even sympathetic of Gregor’s unfortunate predicament. His immediate “clenching of his fist” is clearly evident of an overly aggressive response. When considering the chief clerk’s reaction on the other hand, we see a striking difference, that being disinterest, which certainly would not describe Gregor’s father’s response. Upon seeing Gregor, “…the chief clerk had turned his back on Gregor the moment he had begun speaking,” (218). The chief clerk’s apathy and neglect towards Gregor is clearly seen as he “turns his back” before Gregor can even express himself. Although both responses are clearly distant and cold, the chief clerk’s response is significantly different than Gregor’s father’s response because the chief clerk is neglecting of Gregor, while Gregor’s father, is actually attentive so to speak, but more so aggressive.
Assignment 8
November 6, 2015 Written by j.kohan | 2 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
2 responses so far ↓
Brandon Andujar // Nov 6th 2015 at 11:32 am
I have to say that I completely agree with your analysis of Gregor’s father. In fact, the quote regarding the clenching of his fist really speaks to his character at the time of his reaction. I wish I could’ve incorporated that quote into my post actually. Your use of key words, like aggressive, to describe his emotions in opposition to the chief clerk’s response. However, I do disagree a bit with your analysis of the chief clerk. You seem to observe that the most striking difference in reactions is that the chief clerk is disinterested. I wouldn’t characterize his response as disinterested, rather it is maybe disappointment. Gregor does not live up to the expectations of the clerk, which leads to the clerk’s disappointment. You do, thereafter, point to the coldness and distant nature of both characters capturing the both responses collectively. Overall, good job.
JMERLE // Nov 7th 2015 at 4:30 pm
Joshua,
You certainly point to a central difference between the two characters’ reactions, and I quite agree with you that the father’s reaction, on one level at least, is aggressive. I’m not sure that the clerk’s reaction is one of apathy and disinterest. Please look more closely at that section of the text.
8/10