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Metamorphosis Theme Essay

Decent Essays

A major theme that is demonstrated throughout The Metamorphosis, written by Franz Kafka, is the idea of the loss of humanity. This is demonstrated through Gregor’s transformation into a cockroach. Any human being would resent the idea of being compared to a cockroach, mainly because it is one of the farthest things from being humane. As a Family and Human studies major, throughout my classes, I have been introduced to many different theories that relate to the various aspects of a human being. Because there are so many different factors that can impact the numerous areas that make up the humanity of a person, it is a complicated subject. Many of the issues that Gregor struggles with throughout the story correspond with issues that humans face on a daily basis. The symptoms that result from Gregor’s problems are comparable to those of any person struggling with similar matters. A few of these issues include a state of denial, rejection, and alienation. …show more content…

His father’s action of throwing an apple at him and throwing him back into the bedroom was a very external way of showing rejection. (pp. 955-956) Due to this rejection, Gregor’s feelings of inferiority are demonstrated through many of the thoughts that run through his head as he waits in the bedroom. For example, instead of feeling bad for himself, he thinks about his family first. He decides that he will behave in a quiet and patient manner for the family in order to “make the inconveniences he was putting them through in his present state a little bearable for them.” (p. 957) It is interesting that, although he is in a much more dreadful state than his family, he still worries about them before himself. It is probable that this has much to do with Gregor’s selfless character, but, to a certain extent, inferiority to his family is also demonstrated through these

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