Metamorphism
MetamorphismWhat is reality? Every person has his or her own “reality” or truth of their existence. For some it may be nothing they expected, while others can just be successful in anything. The true reality is that regardless of what direction is taken in life, a person brings the same inner self, motivational levels and attitudes. As followers of literature we often escape our own “reality” and experience life through the imagination of the authors we read. By doing so, many people find themselves gaining information about themselves.
Before the metamorphosis, Gregor’s life consisted of working and caring for his family. He led the life of a traveling salesman, working long hours, which didn’t permit him to have a private “life.” He reflects on his own life as “the trouble of constant traveling, the worrying about train connections, the bed and irregular meals, casual acquaintances that are always new and never become intimate friends” (par 4). Working to pay off his family’s debt, Gregor never left any time for himself. So involved with his work, Gregor becomes unknown to himself and to life. In Gregor’s life he had no room for anyone other than his family, which in the end left him without love, or caring or any other kind of companionship. He worked so industriously for his family that this became his only goal in life. They became dependent on Gregor to support them but did nothing for him in return. Up until now Gregor was living a life of obligations; he came home every night to an empty hotel room to ensure his family was taken care of.
It is apparent to everyone that Gregor was not thought of as a member of the family, but as a “support system.” The fact of the matter was, “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 up rush of warm feeling” (par 43).
Gregor’s existence did not change. After being transformed into a cockroach, Gregor lived in isolation with his family. Gregor’s sister was the only one who helped poor Gregor in his time of transformation. She was frightened but managed to put her fears aside. Upon his sister taking care of him, the rest of Gregor’s family would not associate with him. “For since what he had said was not understood by others, it never struck any of them, not even his sister, that he could understand what they said” (par 40). Before long, Gregor noticed that through his metamorphosis he had not lost nor gained anything. After the metamorphosis, Gregor’s family underwent some pretty harsh changes. After the change, Gregor would not be able to support his family. He went to his boss and begged him, “Oh sir, do spare my parents” (par 20). Strangely, after what his family put him through, he still looked vigorously for a way to...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.