The Metamorphosis Writing Prompt

In the novella The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, the "morphing" of protagonist Gregor Samsa is but one of the serveral changes that occurs in the short story. Gregor's sister, Grete, also undergoes several significant changes throughout the story. While Gregor's metamorphosis may entail more seriousness and importance, grete also displays changes in how she views herself, others, and the world in general, which ultimately, adds momentous meaning to the work.

Before Gregor's transformation into a bug, he views himself as being responsible and has a true effect on his family. However, the attention he receives from his family is very little. After Gregor's metamorphosis, he undergoes changes in his body and mind. He grows multiple legs, has trouble with his vision and hearing, and has trouble speaking. While Gregor still loves his family, he starts to not have any consideration for his family, which causes him to see things differently. He no longer sees himself as a provider for the family, rather a burden for them because of his metamorphosis. He loses his sense of responsibility and views himself as worthless. Gregor also sees his family members differently. Gregor starts to appreciate Grete and respects her for taking care of the family. After a while, Gregor loses hope in everything. He realizes that he is nothing more than a burden and decides that his life no longer matters to himself of his family.

Grete's changes in the story are well known through her attitude towards things. She starts to view herself as an adult and wants to be the new provider for her family. She looks upon Gregor as helpless which causes her to take care of him in the beginning. Her actions, feelings and speech towards Gregor are linked to her growth as a woman, which draws a parallel between her and Gregor's metamorphosis. Before Gregor's transformation, Grete was not looked upon as responsible or providing like Gregor. Soon after Gregor turns into a "monstrous vermin" Grete realizes she must grow up and get a job to help her family. This shows responsibility, which makes her parents proud. Even though Grete seems to be caring towards Gregor in the beginning her feelings toward him change. She longer feels the need to take care of him and in a way he became forgotten to her.

The changes that occur in Gregor and Grete contribute to the overall meaning of the work. Even though Gregor's metamorphosis may be more significant, the metamorphosis of Grete shows how the transformation of Gregor impacted the views of the family and specifically Grete herself. Without the changes in Gretem the story would lack conflict and by making other characters in the story "morph", Kafka made a more complex story. Obviously, the morphing of young Gregor Samsa tells the story of The Metamorphosis and paves the way for other characters in the story to change in similar ways he did. Finally, the changes taking place in Gregor and Grete illustrate the power struggle within the family, which also alters the family's dynamics.

The Metamorphosis not only deals with the transformation of a man into a bug, but also the "morphing" of dynamic characters like Grete, who adds meaning to the story. Ultimately, Gregor's metamorphosis from a man into a giant insect dramatically conveys all the confined frustrations and unresolved issues of both Gregor and his family.