Isolation is shown throughout Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” and Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”. In Kafka’s story you see the isolation when Gregor is in his room for most of the time after his change. As well in Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” the group of people that are living in this cave as isolated from society. I believe that these two stories definitely are very similar when speaking of isolation. Even though they both compare when bringing up isolation they could also be very different. In Kafka’s story Gregor takes the isolation in a positive way. Unlike in Plato’s allegory it says “However, one man breaks free from his chains and runs out of the cave.” From reading this it shows that the man is escaping the isolation and leaving the isolation is taken positive. Gregor seems to like the isolation and starts to enjoy it. Even though he isn’t who he is but the fact that a lot of the pressure of trying to provide for his family is not on him anymore.
2 responses so far ↓
j.devine // Apr 6th 2017 at 10:38 pm
Jacqueline:
In Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” more than one changes take place. Over the course of the story, the reader not only experiences the change of the main character, Gergor, but also the change of his sister, Grete, and the Samsa family as a whole. This metamorphosis of Gregor’s family coming together is shown as the ending of the story. Kafka says, “Then the three of the, all together left the flat, which was something they hadn’t done for months…” With Gregor’s absence, the family is finally able to unify and move forward with the reality of their lives. On the other hand, Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” contrasts this ending of change and unification. On the surface, it is apparent that the society living in the cave would not become united with the introduction to truth. Unlike “The Metamorphosis”, where the family is able to come to terms with their truth and become closer because of it, the people of the cave cannot face the truth because of the dim perspectives they’ve held for so long. In turn, this ending differs with “The Metamorphosis” because of the loathing and criticism the men of the cave feel towards their reality as well as the lack of change in their mindsets.
t.lewkowicz // Apr 7th 2017 at 12:36 am
Francesca, I liked your contrast between the Metamorphosis and Allegory of the Cave because it was not something I had initially considered. Although Gregor turning into this horrific creature seemed like an awful thing, you interpreted it as a good thing for Gregor. You stating ” Even though he isn’t who he is but the fact that a lot of the pressure of trying to provide for his family is not on him anymore” shows that becoming this creature took a lot of the burden off of Gregor. Although Gregor seemed to care for his family, being a cockroach with no responsibility became enjoyable for him; allowing him to accept and enjoy his isolation.
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