Term Paper on "Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Theme of Isolation"

Term Paper 4 pages (1462 words) Sources: 2 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka [...] theme of isolation in the story, as Gregor becomes more and more an outcast from his family and the world. Gregor's character is completely tragic and hopeless, as he leads a meaningless life, turns into a giant bug, and is eventually an outcast from his family. He is a classic tragic character, made more interesting (if not bizarre) by his complete transformation into a giant, disgusting bug - his life was meaningless and loveless before he transformed, and if anything, he has become even more isolated, alone, and misunderstood.

The tragedy of Gregor Samsa's life is not that he has transformed into a giant bug, but that his family has never appreciated him, supported him, or really loved him. Kafka opens this dark short story with the words, "As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect" (Kafka 19). However, Kafka makes it quite clear very early in the story that Gregor's life is not tragic because he has turned into a bug. In fact, his life was quite tragic even before he woke up one morning and found he was transformed into something completely repugnant and disgusting. Literary critic Harold Bloom writes, "He has been sacrificing himself by working at his meaningless, degrading job so as to pay off an old debt of his parents' to his employer" (Bloom 21). Bloom sees Gregor's life as meaningless and without love or affection, simply obligation and duty. It does not take long for the reader to know that Gregor hates his job and his employer, and only continues to work because of his family obligations. Thus, he continues his meaningless existence for the people he loves, but they do not appreciate or love him in return.

Kafka uses character development, the theme of isolation and transformation, along with plot and setting to indicate the emptiness of Gregor's life and the shallowness of those closest to him. For example, Kafka shows the exasperation of his family when Gregor's appearance becomes known, and even their strong reaction when he will not open the door seems to be self-serving and shallow, they seem to be more worried about themselves than their son. Kafka writes, "His father knotted his fist with a fierce expression on his face as if he meant to knock Gregor back into his room, then looked uncertainly round the living room, covered his eyes with his hands and wept till his great chest heaved" (Kafka 35). His father reacts first with anger, not with compassion or love. In fact, Gregor's appearance is startling, and it is clear there is something wrong, but no one recognizes that he needs help, love, and compassion; they all react selfishly and without love or support for their son. Kafka continues, "For two whole days there were family consultations at every mealtime about what should be done; but also between meals the same subject was discussed [...]" (Kafka 47). His sister feeds him, but does not even speak to him, and none of the family seems to think about his feelings or needs at all. If his life was empty and meaningless as a sales clerk, it is even more so now that he is trapped in his room. He is unloved, unwanted, and a bother, and Kafka seems to be using this to symbolize lack of love and meaning in life, and that in the end, even those who work the hardest and most diligently receive no reward. Gregor's life is hopeless, and yet, he is the only family member who retains any hope at all.

Gregor is the most hopeful of the family members, even though he has become the most hopeless. He still hopes he can live a fairly normal life, and expects his family to continue on normally, which is as unrealistic as his beliefs that his family truly cares for him. Sadly, they only really care about the money he brings home, and his own existence is unimportant to them. Kafka notes, "They had simply got used to it, both the family and Gregor; the money was gratefully accepted and gladly given, but there was no special uprush of warm feeling" (Kafka 49). His family no longer appreciates him, they expect him to take care of them, and their first thoughts are of themselves… READ MORE

How to Reference "Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Theme of Isolation" Term Paper in a Bibliography

Related Term Papers:

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Research Proposal

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

In analyzing the short story The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, it is important to consider the different dimensions that the author tried to illustrate in the… read more

Research Proposal 2 pages (545 words) Sources: 3 Style: MLA Topic: Literature / Poetry

---

Franz Kafka and Modernism Term Paper

Franz Kafka and Modernism

Franz Kafka is one of the most enigmatic and interesting figures in literature. His work has left an enduing impression on world literature as well as… read more

Term Paper 9 pages (2674 words) Sources: 5 Style: MLA Topic: Literature / Poetry

---

Franz Kafka's Life and Work Term Paper

Franz Kafka's Life And Work

Franz Kafka was born July 3, 1883 in Prague, Bohemia. He was born into a German speaking, Jewish middle-class family. His farther owned a shop… read more

Term Paper 6 pages (2042 words) Sources: 6 Topic: Literature / Poetry

---

Kafka This Report Aims to Present Term Paper

Kafka

This report aims to present my findings on my study and research of Franz Kafka. Although there are literally thousands of books, articles and journals that cover Kafka in… read more

Term Paper 5 pages (2063 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Literature / Poetry

---

Metamorphosis" by Kafka and "The Dead Research Paper

Metamorphosis" by Kafka and "The Dead" by James Joyce

Comparison/contrast on "The Metamorphosis" by Kafka and "The Dead" by James Joyce

The Metamorphosis by Kafka is a story that strikes… read more

Research Paper 4 pages (1240 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Mythology / Folklore / Science Fiction

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>