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Final Project Thesis Questions
- In Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Gregor’s transformation could be seen as an interpretation of Kafka’s own life. According to Freud’s theory of the unconscious, could Kafka’s suppressed feelings, fears, and drives be exposed through Gregor’s alienation and shift as an individual? How?
- In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, Gregor’s transformation could be compared to Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”. Once Gregor is no longer able to work and provide for his family, he becomes useless; in the “Allegory of the Cave”, the prisoner’s findings about the world of forms are rejected and anger the other sheltered prisoners. How does the treatment of Gregor by his family demonstrate humanity’s perception of the physical world and material goods in terms of importance? Once he is no longer able to provide anything of “substance”, how does the family begin to view Gregor? Like the prisoners in the cave, is Gregor’s family blinded by what they know and refuse to look at the world (or Gregor’s new form) in a different light?
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I like your second question! It is more detailed and specific than the first one. I find it interesting how you connected allegory of the cave and Gregor’s family in the last question. Gregor’s family is living in their own world. Furthermore, they have no desire to break out and learn what is outside. At the same time, Gregor does not seem to be upset, because he opened his eyes and saw the real world. He was able to break out of routine and stereotypes; however, it made him an outcast in the society and in his family. Moreover, I believe it will be much easier to find proof for the second thesis than for the first one.