In the short story, “Metamorphosis”, by Franz Kafka, the protagonist of the story transform into a cockroach overnight. As a result of his transformation, he is reluctant to get out of bed. When he finally reveals himself to his family and a work associate, there reactions vary. For the chief clerk, the sight of Gregor transformation induces instant fear. The text states “But the chief clerk had turned his back on Gregor the moment he began speaking, and only stared back at him with his mouth agape”(218). He was so disgusted and in awe of Gregor new form, he no longer wanted to reprimand him for being an unsatisfactory employee. The clerk was so appalled by Gregor new form that he failed to take any of his belongs. He was more concerned with leaving, that he was with take any of his possessions. Gregor father on the other hand, tried not to appear as disgusted. He was more concerned with protecting Gregor in his unfortunate state. The text states “ He was, rather, obsessed with the notion of getting Gregor back in his room post-haste”(220). Although he was swatting Gregor away, his main goal was getting Gregor back in his room. His father wanted to not only protect Gregor from the shock and fear of others, but also wanted to protect Gregor from himself. He knew the best way he could do that was by locking him back in his room. He didn’t want Gregor to be too hurt by the reactions of others according to his new appearance. He was doing as what a father should, protecting his son, by any means necessary.
Assignment 8
November 7, 2015 Written by e.rospide | 4 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
4 responses so far ↓
y.kim // Nov 7th 2015 at 11:59 am
I agree that the chief clerk reacted with instant fear but I do not agree that Gregor’s father was trying to protect Gregor. Mr. Samsa “gave him [Gregor] a hard shove, which was truly his salvation, and bleeding profusely, he flew far into his room.” This quote shows that Gregor’s father did not truly care for Gregor because Gregor was injured from the “hard shove”. His father tried to be calm about Gregor’s transformation but he clearly was not as he grabbed the closest objects near him to push Gregor back into his room. Although the father may have tried to protect Gregor from losing his job because the family was dependent on Gregor’s income, he physically hurt his son with his abrupt reaction.
t.zar // Nov 7th 2015 at 12:12 pm
I agree with you about the Chief Clerk’s reaction being fueled by instant fear and terror; however, I disagree with you about the purpose behind the father’s reaction. The father did not act in a protective way at all towards Gregor’s change. His father seemed rather underwhelmed and pretty disgusted as well. He tries getting Gregor back in his room in order to make the situation more calm and to prevent fear from the rest of the family. The fact that Gregor’s father uses a newspaper and cane, two objects generally used to kill bugs, to get Gregor to go back in his room shows his lack of compassion towards his own son.
k.garcia2 // Nov 7th 2015 at 12:50 pm
I agree with your text , however I disagree with your description of the father’s protection. Despite Gregor’s help with money, the father has no sympathy after Gregor undergoes his metamorphosis. On the day of Gregor’s change, the father only seems concerned about the family’s finances. His first reaction was to attack Gregor in some way, he beats Gregor back into his room.
JMERLE // Nov 7th 2015 at 3:45 pm
Ericca,
Your observation that the clerk’s reaction is one of fear, is quite true, I think, as he simply wanted to get away from what Gregor had become. Your assertion about the father is an interesting one, but one that might be more difficult to defend. Yes, he moves Gregor back into his room, but look more deeply at that passage. Does he really seem to be doing this out of consideration for Gregor? It’s true, though, that the father certainly has conflicting feelings. Think again about this, okay?
Also, please take more care when writing, a you have several grammatical errors (something I don’t hear when you speak).
8/10