Met of the life of a fool Essay

Submitted By FaZeTemperrrx
Words: 918
Pages: 4
Open Document
“The Metamorphosis” is a story that deals with the reality, or even the absurdity, of the human existence. For some of us, life is all about the monotony of work. Life is all about working so that there is enough money to buy food and so that the next day one has the strength to go to work once more. For some us, life is all about supporting our relatives who consider us important only insofar as we are able to help them with their needs. For existentialist philosophers this monotony in life is like an endless cycle. One in which is there is no escape except the realization that we are trapped in this cycle.

The title of the story “The Metamorphosis” is actually a misnomer. A closer reading reveals that there is actually no metamorphosis that took place. Merriam-Webster defines metamorphosis as the “change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means; a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances.” While there seems to be a change in the appearance of the story’s main character, it is evident that physical change is not the center of the story.

While reading the story, the reader will immediately conclude that the story does not dwell on how Gregor Samsa physically transformed to a giant bug. In fact, it is surprising that the main character was hardly interested about how he physically transformed instantaneously into bug and instead he immediately accepted his situation. If the physically transformation is not issue in this story, then the only conclusion is that it is something other than the physical transformation but a mental one.

Gregor Samsa did not actually turn into a bug but rather he was only awakened to the reality that he had been a bug for a long time. He reached a state of awakening or realization. Just like other insects which are purposely designed by nature to work for the survival of the entire colony, Gregor Samsa has been living a life of an insect as he himself had been working for the survival of his family. In the process he lost sight of his relationship with them. He has no friends. He hates his boss, his work and his colleagues. He has no life. He does not even have a pleasant relationship with his family. He could not even see the external world as he attempts to look at it through the window. He realizes that he had alienated himself from his society and from himself. The real transformation actually happened is in his mind as he was awakened to the reality that he has been a slave of his family.

The concept of power was also evident in the story. It is very ironic because before Gregor Samsa’s awakening, he is supposed to have a position of power and authority within his family. As the sole provider and earner for the family, he is obeyed by the members of his family. Money translates to power in the household of Gregor Samsa. He is the one who made the decision for the family. However, it is clear that the power being discussed here was only superficial as he is only seen by his own family as a person who delivers the fat paycheck for the family’s survival. Until his realization that he was a bug, he actually did not hold any power in the family.

Eastern philosophy deals with the concept of Samsara and Nirvana. For the
Show More

Related Documents: Met of the life of a fool Essay

Great Gatsby Essay

capture and adequately express my love towards you. No matter how I begin this letter, I feel as if my feelings towards you will somehow be conveyed with words. My love for you can only be described as unconditional and never ending. Ever since I first met you, “‘Five years next november’” (92), I have known that you and I are meant to be together for eternity. Whilst in Germany, I anticipated the day that we would be side by side again, and that was what I held on to during the war. I simply wish that…

Words 893 - Pages 4

Gatsby And Daisy's Relationship

the time Daisy was very much in love with Tom, but much has changed since then. The two have a daughter together and Daisy says, “I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool”. Daisy doesn't want her daughter to deal with the harsh times in life, referring back to when she wanted to marry Gatsby, but couldn't. Aside from having a child together, the couple argues constantly and never shows many happy moments throughout…

Words 497 - Pages 2

Elvis Presley's Unconditional Love

Elvis Presley’s number 1 hit “Can’t help falling in love with you” was released in 1961, it has been said that Elvis had written this song based on the love for his late wife Priscilla. Elvis who was 24 when he met Priscilla, was significantly older than is wife who was only 14 at the time they met. Because of such a large age difference Priscilla’s parents insisted she never meet with Elvis again, but as love took its course Elvis was eager to meet the young Priscilla again, promising that he would never…

Words 366 - Pages 2

Examples Of Daisy Buchanan In The Great Gatsby

biggest decision of her life. Daisy Buchanan is the most powerful character in the 33story. Throughout the book Daisy Buchanan ceaselessly demonstrates her subtle power over Gatsby and Tom Buchanan.…

Words 472 - Pages 2

Gatsby Essay

of love in The Great Gatsby “The truth about love is all a lie,” as the pop artist Pink would put it. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is set in the roaring twenties. It follows a man named Jay Gatsby who’s one goal in life is to be reunited with the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Nick Carraway, the protagonist and narrator moves into a humble home neighboring Gatsby’s mansion. Across the bay from Gatsby, Daisy and her husband Tom live in their own luxurious mansion. Throughout the book…

Words 912 - Pages 4

Irony In Twelfth Night

In William Shakespeare's comedy, “Twelfth Night”, humor and irony are used throughout the play to convey the three major themes. The three major themes exhibited are gender is fluid, subversion of the natural order, and love causes pain and/ or suffering. Throughout the play, the theme of gender fluidity is portrayed as In act one scene four. At Orsino’s court, Orsino has just told Viola, disguised as Cesario, what to deliver to Lady Olivia to woo her. He compliments Cesario’s femininity and he…

Words 1461 - Pages 6

Chris Mccandless Transcendentalism Essay

personality. He is a “totally honest-what you’d call extremely ethical.” (Krakauer 3) young man who admires nature deeply, this are all traits a usual “transcendentalist” share. However, Chris has unfortunately met his end during his “Search for transcendent knowledge.” Chris’s early life started pretty rough, he had an abusive father and a mother Chris hated because he didn’t like how she does nothing to stop his father’s beatings. Chris McCandless has never given up because he was a very strong…

Words 443 - Pages 2

Theme Of Reality In The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald dramatizes the conflict through “the middle class versus the rich.” He is trying to argue that the less grandeur one has to hide behind, the more “real” life is for them. Most of the characters in The Great Gatsby are changed by their illusions of wealth and the parties and drunkenness that came with the 1920’s self-made rich life, but those like Nick Carraway didn’t have wealth, and the illusion that comes along with it. Jay Gatsby, born James Gatz, was born in the Midwest to a poor family…

Words 699 - Pages 3

The Importance Of Education In The Great Gatsby

something the public needs to have a successful life. However, this is something some people are unable to do despite tuition being at a lower price at that time. Unless you were middle class like Nick, or as wealthy as Tom you won’t be able to afford a higher education. Wealth not only funds the pursuit of further schooling, but also gains you respect, power, and…

Words 685 - Pages 3

Research Paper On The Great Gatsby

she married Tom Buchanan of Chicago, with more pomp and circumstance than Louisville ever knew before.” (Fitzgerald 75) She fell in love with Gatsby when he was on his way to war and she promised to wait for him. That promise was forgotten when she met the rich and powerful Tom Buchanan.…

Words 899 - Pages 4