Kafka's Metamorphosis: Themes, Motifs, and Analysis

Kafka's Philosophical Influences

Kafka was influenced by philosophers such as Nietzsche and Schopenhauer.

Narrative Perspective

The narrator is a third-person, omniscient (heterodiegetic) narrator. This anonymous figure recounts the events of the story in a flat, neutral tone. The narrative focuses primarily on the thoughts, feelings, and actions of Gregor Samsa. Initially, the story is told from Gregor's perspective until his death, after which it shifts to a fully omniscient point of view.

Time and Setting

The story is told in the past tense. The specific century is unspecified. The setting is primarily within the Samsa family's apartment.

Key Themes in The Metamorphosis

The Disconnection Between Mind and Body

Gregor's metamorphosis leaves his mind initially unchanged. He continues to think with a human mind despite his insect body. For instance, he contemplates going to work. When Grete brings him milk, he is surprised by his aversion to it, despite knowing he is no longer human. Gradually, his mind adapts to his physical needs, and he begins to enjoy crawling and being in dark places. However, his humanity never completely disappears.

The Limits of Sympathy

Initially, Grete and his mother feel sympathy for Gregor, believing him to still be human despite his insect form. Even his father shows compassion. However, as time passes, they become increasingly disgusted and horrified by his appearance. His inability to communicate further isolates them from his human side, leading them to perceive him more and more as an actual insect.

Alienation

Gregor's transformation isolates him from his family. He spends most of his time alone in his room, hiding from his sister and unable to speak.

The Role of Money

Before his transformation, Gregor was the financial support of his family. Afterward, his father, mother, and Grete are forced to seek employment. The family faces economic hardship. Fortunately, Gregor's father had saved some of the money Gregor earned, which they now use to survive until they find jobs.

Recurring Motifs

• Child-like Vulnerability: Kafka often places figures of child-like vulnerability and fragility at the center of his stories, embodying powerlessness and a sense of being outsiders in adult life.
• Presence of Animals: There is a constant presence of animals and, at times, invented, supernatural creatures in Kafka's work.
• Biographical Influences: While there's a risk of overemphasizing biographical details, understanding Kafka's emphasis on paternal violence and fear of authority figures is crucial.
• Importance of Spaces: Rooms, corridors, stairways, doorways, and streets play a significant role, highlighting the inside-outside contrast.
• Food: Gregor's food preferences change after his transformation. The family loses their appetite. The father throws apples at Gregor. The three lodgers are depicted as constantly hungry.
• Dehumanization: The narrative shifts from referring to Gregor as "he" to "it," reflecting his dehumanization. After his death, the narrative briefly reverts to "he" (p. 72).

Foreshadowing

Gregor is seriously injured after leaving his room a second time. He subsequently stops eating and sleeping, foreshadowing his eventual death. The family gradually takes less interest in Gregor, foreshadowing their decision to get rid of him.