Interesting Literature

A Summary and Analysis of Franz Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘The Metamorphosis’ is a short story (sometimes classed as a novella) by the Czech-born German-language author Franz Kafka (1883-1924). It is his best-known shorter work, published in German in 1915, with the first English translation appearing in 1933. ‘The Metamorphosis’ has attracted numerous interpretations, so it might be worth probing this fascinating story more closely.

You can read ‘The Metamorphosis’ here before proceeding to our summary and analysis of Kafka’s story below.

Plot Summary

Gregor Samsa, a travelling salesman, wakes up one morning to find that he has been transformed into a giant insect. Although he briefly considers this transformation, he quickly turns his thoughts to his work and his need to provide for his parents (he lives with them and his sister) so that they can pay off their debts. He also thinks about how much he hates travelling.

He realises he is already late for work, but hesitates to call in sick because he has never had a day off sick before, and knows this might raise alarm bells. When he responds through the bedroom door after his mother calls to him, he realises that his voice has become different as a result of his metamorphosis into an insect. When his family try to enter his bedroom, they find the door locked, and he refuses to let them in.

Then there’s a knock at the door and it’s the chief clerk for whom Gregor works, wondering where Gregor has got to.

Still Gregor refuses to open the door to his family or to his visitor. The chief clerk is affronted and tells Gregor through the door that his work has not been good enough and his position at the company may not be safe. Gregor seeks to defend himself, and assures the clerk that he will soon return to work. However, because Gregor’s voice has changed so much since his transformation, nobody can understand what he’s saying.

Gregor opens the door and his mother screams when she sees him. He asks the chief clerk to smooth things over at the office for him, explaining his … sudden metamorphosis into an insect.

Later that evening, having swooned and dozed all day, Gregor wakes up at twilight and finds that his sister had brought him milk with some bread in it. Gregor attempts to drink the milk, but finds the taste disgusting, so he leaves it. He climbs under the couch so his family don’t have to look at him, while his sister tries to find him food that he can eat.

Gregor overhears his family talking in the other room, and discovers that, despite their apparent debts, his parents have some money stashed away. He has been going to work to support them when he didn’t have to.

As well as the changes to his voice, Gregor also realises that his vision has got worse since his transformation. He also discovers that he enjoys climbing the walls and the ceiling of his bedroom. To help him, his sister gets rid of the furniture to create more space for him to climb; Gregor’s mother disagrees and is reluctant to throw out all of Gregor’s human possessions, because she still trusts that he will return to his former state one day.

When he comes out of the room, his mother faints and his sister locks him outside. His father arrives and throws apples at him, severely injuring him, because he believes Gregor must have attacked his own mother.

After his brush with death, the family change tack and vow to be more sympathetic towards Gregor, agreeing to leave the door open so he can watch them from outside the room as they talk together. But when three lodgers move in with the family, and his room is used to store all of the family’s furniture and junk, he finds that he cannot move around any more and goes off his food. He becomes shut off from his family and the lodgers.

When he hears his sister playing the violin for the lodgers, he opens the door to listen, and the lodgers, upon spotting this giant insect, are repulsed and declare they are going to move out immediately and will not pay the family any of their rent owed. Gregor’s sister tells her parents that they must get rid of their brother since, whilst they have tried to take care of him, he has become a liability. She switches from talking about him as her brother and as an ‘it’, a foreign creature that is unrecognisable as the brother they knew.

Gregor, overhearing this conversation, wants to do the right thing for his family, so he decides that he must do the honourable thing and disappear. He crawls off back to his room and dies.

Gregor’s family is relieved that he has died, and the body is disposed of. Mr Samsa kicks the lodgers out of the apartment. He, his wife, and their daughter are all happy with the jobs they have taken, and Mr and Mrs Samsa realise that their daughter is now of an age to marry.

The one thing people know about ‘The Metamorphosis’ is that it begins with Gregor Samsa waking up to find himself transformed into an insect. Many English translations use the word in the book’s famous opening line (and we follow convention by using the even more specific word ‘beetle’ in our summary of the story above).

But the German word Ungeziefer does not lend itself easily to translation. It roughly denotes any unclean being or creature, and ‘bug’ is a more accurate rendering of the original into English – though even ‘bug’ doesn’t quite do it, since (in English anyway) it still suggests an insect, or at least some sort of creepy-crawly.

For this reason, some translators (such as David Wyllie in the one we have linked to above) reach for the word vermin , which is probably closer to the German original. Kafka did use the word Insekt in his correspondence discussing the book, but ordered that the creature must not be explicitly illustrated as such at any cost. The point is that we are not supposed to know the precise thing into which Gregor has metamorphosed.

The vagueness is part of the effect: Gregor Samsa is any and every unworthy or downtrodden creature, shunned by those closest to him. Much as those who wish to denigrate a particular group of people – immigrants, foreigners, a socio-economic underclass – often reach for words like ‘cockroaches’ or ‘vermin’, so Gregor’s transformation physically enacts and literalizes such emotive propaganda.

But of course, the supernatural or even surreal (though we should reject the term ‘Surrealist’) setup for the story also means that ‘The Metamorphosis’ is less a straightforward allegory (where X = Y) than it is a more rich and ambiguous exploration of the treatment of ‘the other’ (where X might = Y, Z, or even A, B, or C).

Gregor’s subsequent treatment at the hands of his family, his family’s lodgers, and their servants may well strike a chord with not just ethnic minorities living in some communities but also disabled people, people with different cultural or religious beliefs from ‘the mainstream’, struggling artists whose development is hindered by crass bourgeois capitalism and utilitarianism, and many other marginalised individuals.

This is one reason why ‘The Metamorphosis’ has become so widely discussed, analysed, and studied: its meaning is not straightforward, its fantastical scenario posing many questions.  What did Kafka mean by such a story? Is it a comedy, a tragedy, or both? Gregor’s social isolation from his nearest and dearest, and subsequent death (a death of despair, one suspects, as much as it is a noble sacrifice for the sake of his family), all suggest the story’s tragic undercurrents, and yet the way Kafka establishes Gregor’s transformation raises some intriguing questions.

Take that opening paragraph. The opening sentence – as with the very first sentence of Kafka’s novel, The Trial – is well-known, but what follows this arresting first statement is just as remarkable. For no sooner has Gregor discovered that he has been transformed, inexplicably, into a giant insect (or ‘vermin’), than his thoughts have turned from this incredible revelation to more day-to-day worries about his job and his travelling.

This is a trademark feature of Kafka’s writing, and one of the things the wide-ranging term ‘Kafkaesque’ should accommodate: the nightmarish and the everyday rubbing shoulders together. Indeed, the everyday already is a nightmare, and Samsa’s metamorphosis into an alien creature is just the latest in a long line of modernity’s hellish developments.

So the effect of this opening paragraph is to play down, as soon as it has been introduced, the shocking revelation that a man has been turned into a beetle (or similar creature).

Many subsequent details in Kafka’s story are similarly downplayed, or treated in a calm and ordinary way as if a man becoming a six-feet-tall insect is the most normal occurrence in the world, and this is part of the comedy of Kafka’s novella: an aspect of his work which many readers miss, partly because the comedic is so often the first thing lost in translation.

And, running contrariwise to the interpretation of ‘The Metamorphosis’ that sees it as ‘just’ a straightforward story about modern-day alienation and mistreatment of ‘the other’ is the plot itself, which sees Gregor Samsa freed from his life of servitude and duty, undertaking a job he doesn’t enjoy in order to support a family that, it turns out, are perfectly capable of supporting themselves (first by the father’s money which has been set aside, and then from the family’s jobs which the mother, father, and daughter all take, and discover they actually rather enjoy).

Even Gregor’s climbing of the walls and ceiling in his room, when he would have been travelling around doing his job, represents a liberation of sorts, even though he has physically become confined to one room. Perhaps, the grim humour of Kafka’s story appears to suggest, modernity is so hellish that such a transformation – even though it ends in death – is really the only liberation modern man can achieve.

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128 The Metamorphosis Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a classic work of literature that has captivated readers for generations. The novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a man who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. This bizarre premise raises many thought-provoking questions about identity, alienation, and the nature of humanity.

If you are looking for inspiration for an essay on The Metamorphosis, you're in luck! We have compiled a list of 128 essay topic ideas and examples to help you get started on your writing journey. Whether you are analyzing the themes of the novella, exploring its symbolism, or discussing its impact on literature, there is a topic here for you.

  • Analyze the theme of alienation in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's transformation into an insect.
  • Explore the role of family in The Metamorphosis.
  • Compare and contrast Gregor's relationship with his family before and after his transformation.
  • Examine the symbolism of Gregor's room in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the theme of guilt and responsibility in the novella.
  • Analyze the character of Grete and her role in the story.
  • Explore the theme of isolation in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the significance of food and eating in the novella.
  • Examine the motif of sleep and dreams in The Metamorphosis.
  • Compare and contrast Gregor's transformation with other literary works of metamorphosis.
  • Analyze the theme of power and control in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the role of work and money in the novella.
  • Explore the symbolism of the apple in The Metamorphosis.
  • Examine the theme of freedom and imprisonment in the story.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's job as a traveling salesman.
  • Analyze the theme of identity in The Metamorphosis.
  • Explore the motif of music in the novella.
  • Discuss the theme of sacrifice in The Metamorphosis.
  • Examine the role of society in shaping Gregor's identity.
  • Analyze the theme of transformation in the novella.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's death at the end of the story.
  • Explore the symbolism of the door in The Metamorphosis.
  • Compare and contrast Gregor's transformation with the transformations of other characters in the novella.
  • Examine the theme of communication in the story.
  • Discuss the role of the cleaning woman in The Metamorphosis.
  • Analyze the theme of love and compassion in the novella.
  • Explore the motif of mirrors and reflection in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's sister, Grete, in the story.
  • Analyze the theme of degradation in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the role of Gregor's boss in the novella.
  • Explore the symbolism of the picture of the lady in furs in The Metamorphosis.
  • Analyze the theme of transformation in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's voice in the story.
  • Explore the motif of insects in the novella.
  • Analyze the theme of absurdity in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the role of Gregor's father in the story.
  • Explore the symbolism of the violin in the novella.
  • Analyze the theme of betrayal in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the role of society in shaping Gregor's identity.
  • Explore the symbolism of the door in the novella.
  • Analyze the theme of isolation in The Metamorphosis.
  • Explore the motif of sleep and dreams in the story.
  • Analyze the theme of freedom and imprisonment in The Metamorphosis.
  • Analyze the theme of guilt and responsibility in the story.
  • Analyze the theme of alienation in the novella.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's room in The Metamorphosis.
  • Explore the motif of mirrors and reflection in the story.
  • Analyze the theme of absurdity in the story.
  • Discuss the role of Gregor's father in The Metamorphosis.
  • Analyze the theme of betrayal in the story.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's voice in The Metamorphosis.
  • Explore the role of the cleaning woman in the novella.
  • Analyze the theme of love and compassion in the story.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's sister, Grete, in The Metamorphosis.
  • Analyze the theme of transformation in the story.
  • Analyze the theme of isolation in the novella.
  • Explore the motif of sleep and dreams in The Metamorphosis.
  • Analyze the theme of freedom and imprisonment in the story.
  • Analyze the theme of guilt and responsibility in the novella.
  • Discuss the significance of food and eating in The Metamorphosis.
  • Explore the role of family in the novella.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's room in the story.
  • Explore the motif of mirrors and reflection in the novella.
  • Discuss the role of Gregor's boss in the story.
  • Explore the symbolism of the picture of the lady in furs in the novella.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's voice in the novella.
  • Explore the role of the cleaning woman in The Metamorphosis.
  • Discuss the significance of Gregor's sister, Grete, in the novella.
  • Explore the motif of music in The Metamorphosis.
  • Explore the symbolism of the door

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The Metamorphosis

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

What effect does Gregor’s metamorphosis have on his family, individually and as a whole? What does this effect suggest about his relationship with his family?

The German word Ungeziefer , which has been translated to “vermin” in English, derives from a Middle High German word meaning “an unclean animal not suited for sacrifice.” What meaning do you think this word conveys about the nature of Gregor’s metamorphosis? Do you think that his death can be seen as a sacrifice in any sense? Explain why or why not.

Why and how did Gregor become “vermin” (3)? Did Gregor deserve to be turned into a bug? Do you think his transformation is a literal one, or a purely symbolic one?

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The Metamorphosis Essay Topics

Franz Kafka

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The Metamorphosis Themes: from Isolation to Alienation

the metamorphosis essay topics

Gregor’s transformation and inability to communicate dehumanize him in the eyes of his family. The Metamorphosis’ themes explore this problem in detail, thus becoming crucial for understanding Kafka’s mind.

In this article, IvyPanda writers prepared a thorough analysis of the story’s themes.

  • 👽 Theme of Isolation
  • 🐛 Transformation Theme
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Theme
  • 💎 Deeper Meaning

🎓 References

👽 Isolation in The Metamorphosis

Theme of isolation and alienation in The Metamorphosis.

The Metamorphosis themes are undoubtedly worthy of a separate discussion. Among them, the theme of alienation and isolation plays a significant role in the novel.

The literal isolation started when Gregor woke up one morning only to find himself turned into a monstrous vermin-like creature. He gained a new body, which made him an alien to the human world. He lost his ability to speak the human language, making screeching sounds instead. His new routine came to staying in his room day and night, where he explored his condition, contemplated anxieties, and occasionally watched his family through a crack in the bedroom door. Slowly but surely, the family grew tired of this new version of Gregor.

The inability to communicate heavily impacted Gregor’s relationship with his parents and his sister Grete in particular as she tried to understand him the most. Despite his metamorphosis, he remained conscious but couldn’t explain all his emotional and psychological conflicts, which added to his loneliness and desperation. This mutism constrained Gregor from communicating not only with his family but with the whole of humankind.

Yet, there is a reason why Franz Kafka is considered a genius of psychological literature. The irony of Gregor’s alienation in Metamorphosis stretches way beyond his initial transformation and its consequences. Gregor Samsa was lonely and desperate before the events of the book. He worked as a traveling salesman, a job synonymous with constant moving and personal isolation. It restrained him from having any close relationships outside of his family circle.

Even nowadays, people who travel a lot due to the nature of their jobs experience general feelings of loneliness and, sometimes, even depression. The reader has to imagine how hard it was to travel and work in the past with limited means of communication. As Kafka mentions in The Metamorphosis , the only contact between Gregor and his family occurred through letters. This type of correspondence takes a greater amount of time to reach its addressee than modern-day instant texting and calling through the mobile network.

Moreover, Gregor was doomed with emotional isolation from the start, as his family members always took his existence for granted. Gregor’s altruism played a twisted joke on him, making the poor soul a simple “ money bag ” for the Samsas. This type of alienation has been consistent since the beginning of the Modern Age, when capitalist ideas started to influence people’s minds and hearts . Pragmatism and efficiency took over spiritualism.

Returning to the book, throughout most of the story, Gregor still cares for his family and wishes to help them. He ignores his dire circumstances. Nevertheless, in the last chapter, Gregor realizes that he does not miss anyone from the outside world. In the end, Gregor’s remains are thrown out like some trash by the charwoman.

To sum up all of the above, in the greater context, Gregor’s character has always been condemned to be lonely, as Kafka made sure of that. The transformation only amplified Gregor’s separation from the world. By bringing the alienation theme, Kafka offers his views on the troubles of the Modern Age.

💬 Alienation Quotes

“Oh God, he thought, what an exhausting job I’ve picked on! Traveling about day in, day out. It’s much more irritating work than doing the actual business in the office, and on top of that there’s the trouble of constant traveling, of worrying about train connections, the bed and irregular meals, casual acquaintances that are always new and never become intimate friends.” (Chapter 1)
“On hearing these words from his mother Gregor realized that the lack of all direct human speech for the past two months together with the monotony of family life must have confused his mind [..].” (Chapter 2)
“[…] once more, after this long interval, there appeared in his thoughts the figures of the chief and the chief clerk, the commercial travelers and the apprentices, the porter who was so dull-witted, two or three friends in other firms, a chambermaid in one of the rural hotels, a sweet and fleeting memory, a cashier in a milliner’s shop, whom he had wooed earnestly but too slowly-they all appeared, together with strangers or people he had quite forgotten, but instead of helping him and his family they were one and all unapproachable and he was glad when they vanished.” (Chapter 3)

🐛 The Metamorphosis: Theme of Transformation

Transformation theme in The Metamorphosis.

Transformation is one of the key themes in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. The story starts with Gregor waking up and discovering that he turned into an insect-like creature. Although his body has undergone irreversible changes, his mind still remains human, undergoing changes over the course of the story. A symbolic conflict occurs between his mind and body: Gregor human vs. Gregor insect.

The first example presents itself at the very beginning of the book. Despite suspecting that something is wrong, Gregor does not fully grasp the horrid situation he is in. He thinks of it as some sort of temporal “illness.” As time progresses, Gregor keeps worrying about his job duties and inability to work. Throughout the story, it seems as if Gregor never completely realized how monstrous and shocking he looked.

With Gregor’s further development, the new body adjusts to new realities. He tries to walk upright but quickly realizes that the horizontal position is more convenient. Gregor experiments with his numerous legs and climbs onto the walls around the room. He creeps under the sofa by a “half-unconscious action” where he feels more comfortable. The initial boredom and isolation contribute to the reshaping of his consciousness.

Gradually, Gregor’s metamorphosis alters his mindset. He tries to eat the food he used to love, but his strange instincts oppose it. Gregor does not understand who he could refuse his favorite dish. He automatically gorges into rotten chunks left by Grete the second time.

Even when Gregor thinks like a human, his capability to make logical conclusions and decisions slowly fades. The way he acts every time someone comes into his room supports this fact.

Gregor starts to feel disconnected from Grete every time she enters his room and opens the windows. It does not appease his insect senses. “The very way she came in distressed him,” Kafka states. During Grete’s cleaning, Gregor “would crouch trembling under the sofa all the time.”

Another great example of Gregor’s inner conflict occurs when Grete and her mother decide to move furniture from his bedroom. His insect part is, at first, glad about that change, as it would allow him to crawl around the room with more freedom. But then his mother vocalizes her concerns about the possible negative effect of the furniture’s absence on her son’s mind. What if the familiar objects can help him to remain his mind and return to his original body? The question triggers Gregor’s human part of consciousness, forcing him to climb onto the print of the lady in the muff to show protest.

Still, over the rest of the story, the insect side of Gregor slowly but surely overtakes his human side. He hisses and shrieks at every disturbance. As he almost loses his self-identity, the last and most powerful reminder of his consciousness appears at Grete’s violin concert . Gregor feels uplifted and inspired by the music, which makes him feel human again.

For a moment, his human dreams and desires return, but the reader sees that he cannot view himself as a person anymore. He imagines himself as a vermin, communicating with his sister in that form. In a sense, it confirms that he can no longer physically turn into a person, reversing the transformation.

Finally, on his deathbed, Gregor is thinking about his family. His last thoughts are filled with love and tenderness towards the people who abandoned him. Gregor was able to become human again. Thus, The Metamorphosis ’ theme of Gregor’s mental transformation made a coherent circle in the book.

💬 Quotes on Transformation

“Pitilessly Gregor’s father drove him back, hissing and crying “Shoo!” like a savage. […] If only he would have stopped making that unbearable hissing noise! It made Gregor quite lose his head. He had turned almost completely round when the hissing noise so distracted him that he even turned a little the wrong way again.” (Chapter 1)
“This made him realize how repulsive the sight of him still was to her, and that it was bound to go on being repulsive, and what an effort it must cost her not to run away even from the sight of the small portion of his body that stuck out from under the sofa.” (Chapter 2)
“He especially enjoyed hanging suspended from the ceiling; it was much better than lying on the floor; one could breathe more freely; one’s body swung and rocked lightly; and in the almost blissful absorption induced by this suspension it could happen to his own surprise that he let go and fell plump on the floor. Yet he now had his body much better under control than formerly, and even such a big fall did him no harm.” (Chapter 2)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Theme in The Metamorphosis

Family theme in The Metamorphosis.

One of The Metamorphosis’ key themes is the subject of family and sympathy. Gregor’s close kin are his parents and sister Grete. Their reactions to his metamorphosis affect him significantly, just like his transformation influences their behavior and development.

Mr. Samsa is the authority in the family. Concerning his attitude, the question arises:

How does Gregor’s father react to his transformation?

His first reaction to Gregor was a mixture of anger and great sorrow. After realizing what happened, he “wept till his great chest heaved.” His hostility could have occurred because Mr. Samsa initially acted as the defender of the household, seeing a giant bug in his son’s room.

Soon after, he might have understood that this very bug could be his son, and it caused him great distress. His only son will not be able to provide for the family anymore. So, Mr. Samsa’s initial reaction is double-edged.

For the rest of the novella, the father treats Gregor as an insect, scaring him and hurting him physically. The hostility reaches its boiling point when Mr. Samsa throws apples at Gregor after returning from the tiring job in Chapter 2.

Mrs. Samsa is horrified by Gregor’s new appearance. She experiences a panic attack the first time she sees her son and cannot bear looking at him again.

Throughout the novella , the mother feels sympathy towards Gregor and tries to think of his condition as some sort of “temporary illness.” She wishes to visit her son’s room from time to time to be close to him, even though she is afraid of looking at him. Her humanity in The Metamorphosis is evident. Mrs. Samsa even begs her husband not to hurt Gregor when he starts throwing apples at the poor soul.

However, this sympathy is not genuine. She also understands that the insect, Gregor or not, cannot support the family anymore. She subconsciously does not wish to deal with Gregor’s new shape. Her exhaustion from her new job and lack of comfort makes her accept Grete’s demand to “get rid of it” (Gregor) in the last chapter.

The sister’s relationship with Gregor is complicated as her attitude changes and develops in the book.

At first, Grete is sympathetic towards Gregor, as her brother always loved and supported her. She tries to think that Gregor is still there in an insect body, though she is terrified by his presence from the beginning. Grete starts looking after Gregor by bringing him food and cleaning his room. However, this sympathy gradually becomes twisted and untrue, as she looks after him less and less. She cares about being the only one who takes care of Gregor rather than about his well-being.

Why does Grete’s attitude change?

There are two ways to answer this question. Firstly, the exhausting days of working as a salesgirl take a toll on her, making her neglect her nursing duties. Secondly, her relationship with Gregor deteriorates. His inability to communicate and his behavior force Grete to perceive him more as an insect.

At the violin concert , Gregor embarrasses the family in front of their lodgers that leads to a minor scandal. This event makes Grete lose the remaining sympathy for him. She is convinced that if there were her brother in the insect’s body, he would not have made so much trouble for the family. With ease, she persuades the mother and father to agree with her.

The readers see the story from Gregor’s point of view. The second chapter describes Gregor’s initial attitude towards his family. So, there is the following question:

How does Gregor treat his family during part II?

Gregor recalls his initial pride at being able to support his family. He also contemplates how they will manage without his help now. These thoughts give him much anxiety as he wants to help and support his parents and sister even after the transformation.

Gregor misses his mother, feels proud and terrified of his father’s growing authority.

The only human that visits him throughout chapter 2 is his sister, and Gregor is grateful that she looks after him. He wishes to thank her but cannot produce human speech.

Soon, Gregor’s relationship with everyone starts to decline as he becomes less human.

How has Gregor’s attitude towards his family changed?

His humanity slowly fades, and by the end of the novella, he acts like an insect. He gets frustrated with both Grete’s negligence towards him and her presence. He starts to hide from her every time she enters the room to terrify her less and escape the noise and disturbance.

Gregor doesn’t strive for communication with the family members and views them from the corner of his room like an outsider. He reflects less on his connection with people, thinking more about food and his worsening physical state.

💬 Quotes about Family

“His parents did not understand this so well; they had convinced themselves in the course of years that Gregor was settled for life in this firm, and besides they were so preoccupied with their immediate troubles that all foresight had forsaken them.” (Chapter 1)
“These had been fine times, and they had never recurred, at least not with the same sense of glory, although later on Gregor had earned so much money that he was able to meet the expenses of the whole household and did so. 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.” (Chapter 2)
“He must go,” cried Gregor’s sister, “that’s the only solution, Father. You must just try to get rid of the idea that this is Gregor. The fact that we’ve believed it for so long is the root of all our trouble. But how can it be Gregor? If this were Gregor, he would have realized long ago that human beings can’t live with such a creature, and he’d have gone away on his own accord. Then we wouldn’t have any brother, but we’d be able to go on living and keep his memory in honor. As it is, this creature persecutes us, drives away our lodgers, obviously wants the whole apartment to himself and would have us all sleep in the gutter.” (Chapter 3)

💎 The Metamorphosis’ Deeper Meaning

The essential question of the story is whether it is possible to feel sympathy and kindness towards a horrifying creature who cannot be helpful or likable. Does such a being deserve the same sympathy as a human?

As everyone in the family starts working, they realize that they are becoming independent from Gregor. They grow tired and enraged due to all the responsibilities towards him. Yet, the biggest block to their sympathy is the loss of his human shape and inability to communicate. He does not act like a human being, cannot speak or express his thoughts and emotions. From his family’s viewpoint, this monstrous creature lacks every trait that Gregor once had.

Gregor faced inhumanity when he turned into a vermin, and the reader sees how materialism influences people’s relationships. Even though the story suggests that Gregor deserves sympathy and love in his new form, it also demonstrates how that’s impossible through his family. They were able to regain positive emotions for him only after his death.

Thanks for reading the article! To examine the short story even more, read our article about symbolism in The Metamorphosis .

  • The Rise of Capitalism — Mises Institute
  • Themes in The Metamorphosis with Analysis — Literary Devices
  • ‘Metamorphosis’ Book Review: Kafka and Capitalism — Patty Inglish, ThoughtCo
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Study Guide Menu

  • Short Summary
  • Chapter III
  • Characters Analysis
  • Symbols & Literary Analysis
  • Important Quotes
  • Essay Topics & Examples
  • Author’s Biography‌
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, May 24). The Metamorphosis Themes: from Isolation to Alienation. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-the-metamorphosis/themes-from-isolation-to-alienation/

"The Metamorphosis Themes: from Isolation to Alienation." IvyPanda , 24 May 2024, ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-the-metamorphosis/themes-from-isolation-to-alienation/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'The Metamorphosis Themes: from Isolation to Alienation'. 24 May.

IvyPanda . 2024. "The Metamorphosis Themes: from Isolation to Alienation." May 24, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-the-metamorphosis/themes-from-isolation-to-alienation/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Metamorphosis Themes: from Isolation to Alienation." May 24, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-the-metamorphosis/themes-from-isolation-to-alienation/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Metamorphosis Themes: from Isolation to Alienation." May 24, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-the-metamorphosis/themes-from-isolation-to-alienation/.

The Metamorphosis: Essay Topics & Samples

The Metamorphosis is one of Kafka’s best-known books. It is also one of the most intricate literary pieces in world literature. This is why coming up with an excellent The Metamorphosis essay topic can be challenging. The following list can help you to get started. See if any of these ten topics pique your interest.

Essay Topics

  • Describe Gregor’s life before the metamorphosis. To write an outstanding The Metamorphosis essay on this topic, try to answer the following questions. What was Gregor’s life before his physical transformation? Do you think any circumstances in his life could’ve had a dehumanizing effect on him before the physical change? Did he like his work? Did he have friends?
  • What is the significance of the number “3” in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis? The number “3” is a significant symbol in The Metamorphosis book. Enumerate the elements of the novel that come in three: rooms, chapters, family members, tenants, etc. What might this number symbolize? Do you think there is religious symbolism in the novella?
  • How can you interpret The Metamorphosis through the existential lens? In The Metamorphosis essay, you can offer an existentialist interpretation of the novella. Think about the questions like: Is Kafka an existentialist writer? What are some elements of existentialist literature, and can you find them in The Metamorphosis? In which ways Gregor questions his existence? Is happiness attainable for him?
  • Father and Son relationships in The Metamorphosis. You can divide this essay into two parts. The father-son relationships before the physical transformation can become the focus of the first part. Think about how Gregor’s father treated him as a human. In the second part of Metamorphosis’s essay, you can analyze the relationships after the transformation.
  • Analyze the dehumanizing effect of work in Gregor Samsa’s life. How does Kafka start the novella ? Why does Gregor only think about his work when he wakes up? Do you believe it is essential for the readers to know what profession Gregor had before the transformation? What effect does Gregor’s job have on his metamorphosis?
  • Write about food as a symbol of starving for attention. In this essay, you should focus on the use of food symbols in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis . What do these symbols tell about the relationships in the family? Analyze every account of food in the story and see how the character transformation is described through it.
  • Explore the theme of isolation and alienation in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. First, you can explain the difference between isolation and alienation . Using the text, tell why Gregor’s isolation happened before his transformation into an insect. Does physical change reveal the emotional separation in the family? What about Gregor’s inner self? Was there an alienation from his true self?
  • What is the importance of third-person narration in The Metamorphosis? If you decide to choose this topic, think about Kafka’s choice to use third-person narration. What does this perspective allow the readers to see? Would the story be different if the author used another technique? For instance, if Kafka told the story through the eyes of Grete.
  • Analysis of Gregor’s inability to communicate with the family. The paradox in The Metamorphosis by Kafka is that Gregor’s inability to communicate was present even before his physical transformation . Give some examples from the text—for instance, Gregor’s dissatisfaction with his work, etc. How did his physical inability to speak after the change contribute to his alienation, both emotional and physical?
  • Trace Grete’s metamorphosis. Grete’s transformation is thematically significant for understanding the novella. It seems that The Metamorphosis is a book about Gregor’s transformation. However, Grete’s metamorphosis, in a way, is more symbolic. What does it symbolize? What are the stages of her change?

Essay Samples

To dive deeper into the story’s analysis, check The Metamorphosis essay samples below. Here you’ll see how to explore the novella and prove your opinion on the given topic .

  • Metamorphosis and the Necklace The author of the essay compares two completely different stories, revealing similar aspects and themes. Melancholy and sadness are in focus as they are connected to death in both stories, though on various levels. See how Kafka’s and Maupassant’s stories are connected in the paper.
  • Infinite Regression in Franz Kafka’s Works Franz Kafka is a writer with a tragic life filled with suffering and health issues. His problems inevitably affected his works, which reflected the author’s inner turmoils ad philosophy. In the essay, the writer analyzes Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and The Castle and examines the infinite regression in them.
  • Transformation in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” Kafka’s implementation of this theme in the novella has illustrated the change of the main characters. Gregor Samsa, the protagonist, changed physically, which affected his family. The present paper explains how the main character’s change led to the psychological transformation of everyone.
  • Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”: Life in Modernity The complexity of The Metamorphosis ’s plot has been a topic for many debates. In the novella, the author depicts the existential nature of urbanization. The essay discusses how the central character represents the metaphor of being released from the norms of society.
  • Lessons Learned from “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka The central character, Gregor Samsa, turns into an insect. This transformation significantly changes his life and separates him from the rest of the people. This paper discusses the lessons learned from the experiences of the main character.
  • Absurdity in “The Metamorphosis” and “The Stranger” One of the central themes of The Metamorphosis and The Stranger is that the world and the norms of society are absurd. The stories also explore physical and emotional detachments and how they affect people. The paper compares and contrasts them on the topic of absurdity.
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The Metamorphosis Study Guide

Welcome to The Metamorphosis study guide! Here, we’ll explore the genre in which the novella is written. You will also learn about Kafka’s influences and the historical background of the novella. Find out some useful information about The Metamorphosis setting, the plot, the main themes, and symbols. The Metamorphosis Key...

The Metamorphosis: Summary and Analysis

The Metamorphosis is a short story written by Franz Kafka, which was first published in 1915. One of his best-known works, it tells a story about a man called Gregor Samsa and his peculiar transformation. He and his family have to deal with the consequences of this metamorphosis. The Metamorphosis...

The Metamorphosis: Characters

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The Metamorphosis: Themes

There are several overarching themes of The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, but only two are crucial. The story starts when the central transformation has already happened. However, each character in the novella goes through its journey: Gregor, Grete, Gregor’s mother, and Gregor’s father. In this article, you’ll see how characters...

The Metamorphosis: Symbols

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The Metamorphosis Essay Examples

Themes of rape, guilt and rvenge in metamorphoses.

Among many tales appears in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, myths about rape and guilt are the most numerous. Through these myths, Gods represent many moral failing and lack of compassion toward humans. In the Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a failures marks these myths, and a female’s consent cannot be...

Gregor’s Influence on His Family in the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Imagine a person waking up as a bug and having their employer and family more upset about how the transformation is going to affect them, rather than making sure the person is alright. In the book The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, Gregor Samsa was treated...

Analysis of an Extended Metaphor in Kafka’s Metamorphosis

Franz Kafka’s novella, The Metamorphosis, employs an extended metaphor pertaining to Gregor Samsa’s existentially driven transformation into a giant species of bug. Although the extended metaphor holds a significant importance in the message Kafka attempts to portray, Kafka insufficiently explains the origin of the transformation,...

Franz Kafka’s Life Experiences in His Novel Metamorphosis

Kafka was one of the renowned writers of the 20th century; he was born in the year 1883 to a Jewish family that was acquainted with the German language family and died in the year 1924. He was mainly focused on novels and short stories....

Critical Review of the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, was written in 1915 and is understood to be one of his best works of literature. It presents a connection between his personal life experiences and the character, Gregor Samsa. Franz Kafka was born in 1883 and grew up in...

Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis and the Issue of Bullying

Bullying has been a social issue for a very long time. It is used to tear people down for either personal gain or just for the sake of it. It is a very common thing that is happening. Some will also bully just because the...

Alienation and Its Outcomes in Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis has many themes but Franz Kafka chose to specially to have a strong focus on alienation. Having experienced alienation from his own family especially his father, this is reflected on his writing. Even in sources, having been so isolated that he developed mental illness....

Kafka’s Existential Hero in the Metamorphosis

It begins with Franz Kafka's masterpiece, 'The Metamorphosis,' written in 1912 and is a wonderful masterpiece of psychology, sociology and existential anxiety has attracted the reader's attention. Portrayed as an exploration of the outcast in European society, Kafka's fiction is set as an alternate reality...

A Psychological Analysis and Process of Alienation in Kafka’s Metamorphosis

The story of The Metamorphosis is easily told. It is the story of a travelling salesman by the name Gregor Samsa who wakes up one morning transformed into a hideous and monstrous vermin; he of course retains the human faculties of thinking and feeling, he...

The Power of Love in Ovid’s Metamorphoses

Some say love is what the world needs to rebuild and rejoice but in Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” this is not the case. Throughout the book we see the opposite instead. Love is basically vile, and it dehumanizes most of those affected by it. Specially speak about...

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About The Metamorphosis

Franz Kafka

Austria-Hungary (now the Czech Republic)

Gregor Samsa, Grete Samsa, Mr Samsa, Mrs Samsa, The Charwoman

The Absurdity of Life. The Disconnect Between Mind and Body. The Limits of Sympathy. Alienation.

Food, The Father’s Uniform, The Picture of the Woman in Furs

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