In Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” Gregor’s change from a human being to an insect strikes two totally different reactions between the chief clerk and Gregor’s dad. Gregor is late for work as a traveling salesman and the chief clerk comes to his house to figure out what the issue is; he is unsurprisingly terrified of Gregor’s appearance. While describing the chief clerk’s first encounter with the new Gregor, the author states, “But the chief clerk had turned his back on Gregor the moment he had begun speaking , and only stared back at him with his mouth agape, over his trembling shoulder” (218). The clerk is staring at Gregor with his mouth “agape”, evidently showing that he is in shock about what has happened. His “trembling shoulder” shows how he is petrified of Gregor’s new form, eventually leading to him running away from the situation. He treats Gregor as if he is actually an insect. In contrast, Gregor’s father is not scared at all of Gregor’s new appearance; however, he is just as cruel. While describing the measures being taken by Gregor’s dad to get Gregor to return to his room, the author writes, “His father was moving forward implacably, emitting hissing sounds like a savage” (219). His father is “moving forward” towards Gregor, suggesting that he is not scared at all of Gregor. The fact that he is “emitting hissing sounds” shows that he is actually disgusted with Gregor’s change rather than being scared. He treats his own son as if he is a nasty insect. Overall, the Chief Cleark reacts out of fear whereas Gregor’s father acts out of hatred and disgust.
Assignment 8
November 7, 2015 Written by t.zar | 2 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
2 responses so far ↓
j.brito // Nov 7th 2015 at 12:31 pm
I do agree that the chief clerk was petrified and wanted nothing to do with Gregor in the state that he is but i don’t think Gregor’s father was cruel but rather aware that the cockroach is still his son. He wanted Gregor back in his room to stay away from the chief clerk to maybe keep his job. He also looked out for Gregor by directing him back to his room. His initial reaction when he saw Gregor were tears. He wouldn’t do that if he had cruel intentions but instead is sympathetic of his son and his situation.
JMERLE // Nov 7th 2015 at 3:38 pm
Yes, Tyler, you hit on an important difference in reaction, one of fear and one of disgust. Your comments about the chief clerk hint that perhaps the clerk (who very possibly represents the society at large) is reacting only to the superficial appearance of Gregor, while the father, because he isn’t surprised, might be reacting to something more deeply profound about Gregor, and this is something we’ll talk more about in class together.
Nice job!
10/10