The chief clerk and Gregor’s father both had different reactions to Gregor’s transformation. The chief clerk’s reaction is more of a terrified reaction. He mostly stares at Gregor and backs away. It states, “…without taking his eyes off Gregor, moved towards the door…” (218). The father’s reaction was different. It states, “…who to that point had remained relatively calm…” (219). This was until he started hissing at Gregor and forcing him back into the room with a stick. Gregor’s father was not frightened at all by the sight of Gregor which was the exact opposite reaction to the chief clerk. The family is extremely thankful for Gregor’s death. They respond to Gregor’s death as with relief and hope. The family suddenly feels whole again. The maid is actually excited by Gregor’s death. The mother and daughter hug each another. The father demands some attention which the mother and daughter give. It states, “They decided to use the day to rest and go for a walk; not only had they earned a break from work, but they stood in dire need of one.” (240). This is ironic because there was no such respite that was ever afforded to Gregor. On the day he transformed, everyone was at his door telling him to go to work, but now everyone seems to find time to rest, also “deserve” a break, and intend to go for a walk.
The Metamorphosis
March 23, 2016 Written by a.blackwell | 2 Comments
Categories: Uncategorized
2 responses so far ↓
m.camara // Mar 24th 2016 at 7:33 pm
I agree with you all your reactions I think they were spot on. The clerk was clearly afraid while the father was more control of the situation. Upon finding out the Gregor was dead the family was indeed relieved. The family did need a break after Gregor’s death but I think it was to evaluate what their lives so far had been like. They have been living in debt, counting solely on Gregor to bear the burden and this has made the entire family lazy. By Gregor dying he has now been released from his sentencing of repaying his family’s debt and now his family can restart their lives as well starting a new. So when the father states “now we can give thanks to God” I believe this quote has a double meaning as he is thanking God for releasing his son from an unhappy life caused by money and debt while also thanking god for giving his family a new begging where they can all flourish once again.
m.to1 // Mar 25th 2016 at 11:59 pm
I think your analysis was spot on with the description of chief clerk and Gregor’s father. I like how you included the aftermath of Gregor’s death to reuniting the family. The only thing i would disagree on, actually not even a disagreement would be to explain the part where you stated the maid being excited for Gregor’s death. I wish you provided some details or quotes to support this. Overall, great work. I didnt realize the irony but you make a great point on the work/break.
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