The Metamorphosis
Novella by Franz Kafka
About Franz Kafka
His most popular and best-selling short story, "The Metamorphosis," was completed in 1912 and published in 1915.
Plot
He starts realizing how much he hates his job , but he has to work there because he is working to help his parents pay the debt they have to his boss. He suddenly realizes that he has overslept and does not have a good excuse to give his boss. Gregor's parents and sister notice there is something wrong with Gregor, so they start knocking the door. Then the doorbell rings and it is the manager looking for Gregor.
Gregor's parents speak to the manager about what a great worker Gregor is and that they do not know what is wrong with Gregor and why he has not got out of his room and went to work. Later Gregor struggles to get to the door.
Characters
Was a travelling salesman, even though he hated his job he had to work to pay his parents debt with his boss. Suddenly on day he wakes up transformed into a large bug and spends the rest of his life like that. Through out the story he makes his way through to reconcile his lingering humanity with his physical condition.
Grete Samsa: Gregor's Sister
She initially shows great concern for Gregor, but her compassion gives way to selfishness and anger as the effects of Gregor’s transformation on her life.
Mr. Samsa: Gregor's Father
After Grgeor's transformation he is in need to return to work in order to pay his failed business.
Mrs. Samsa: Gregor's Mother
She feels horrified by his son's new appearence but he is still her son.
The boss: Gregor’s boss
Distrustful and overbearing, the office manager insinuates that Gregor has been doing a poor job at work.
My Favorite Quote
"What has happened to me?"
Most Interesting Events
- Gregor woke up one morning transformed into a vermin or a bug.
- He is clueless about what had happened to him, but he faces this change in a really patient way without going crazy or scared.
- Gregor starts to act like and actual insect but he still have the human memories.
- Unable to bear the thought that all evidence of his human life will be removed from his room, he clings to the picture of the woman in furs, startling Grete and the mother and leading the father to attack him