Change In Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis

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People react to change in different ways. Although change can have positive or negative impacts, it can be confusing. In Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, each character impacts Gregor’s change. Kafka is very similar to Gregor Samsa. What happens to Gregor in this novella can be a calling for help from Kafka. A Freudian psychoanalysis is necessary to show the possible disorders Kafka might have.
Gregor goes through physical and mental transformation that shows signs of conversion disorder. Conversion disorder is a neurological disorder in which psychological stress is expressed physically. “One morning, as Gregor Samsa was waking up from anxious dreams, he discovered that in bed he had been changed into a monstrous verminous bug.” (pg. 3). Here …show more content…
With Gregor providing for the family, the other members are allowed to lazily lounge around, disregarding their full potential. Gregor’s father was unemployed and developed a large gut, until he is forced to support the family in their dire situation. His transformation is questioned by Gregor, “was this the same man who in the old days used to lie wearily in bed?” (Kafka 27). Gregor goes on to describe his father’s transformation, “he was holding himself erect...his black eyes darted bright, piercing glances” Kafka 28). Gregor’s father demonstrates the positive impacts of Gregor’s transformation, as his health improves because of the job and newfound position among the family. Gregor’s absence in the family allows his father a new purpose and confidence unknown before Gregor’s metamorphosis. Kafka contrasts the use of “wearily” and “erect” to prove Mr. Samsa’s growth in his physical existence. Kafka also utilizes “bright,” to echo the liveliness of Mr. Samsa, which can show the transition to his father’s prosperity. With Gregor’s continued ability to work, his father would have prolonged living off his son’s support, failing to improve his physical
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