how do the family members in “the metamorphosis” justify their decision to get rid of the insect?
How do the family members in “The Metamorphosis” justify their decision to get rid of the insect?
Answer: In Franz Kafka’s novella The Metamorphosis, the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, transforms into a giant insect, causing his family members to react in a variety of ways. Throughout the story, the family’s decision to ultimately get rid of Gregor, now in his insect form, is influenced by social, economic, and emotional factors, justified by their perspectives and increasingly strained relationship with him.
1. Economic Pressure
One of the primary reasons the Samsa family decides to get rid of Gregor is economic pressure. Before his transformation, Gregor was the sole breadwinner, working tirelessly to support his family. His career as a traveling salesman was critical in maintaining their lifestyle and paying off debts. After Gregor’s transformation, he loses the ability to work, creating significant financial strain on his family. This shift in economic responsibility forces each family member to find employment or alternative means to sustain themselves. The parents and his sister, Grete, begin to view Gregor as a burden rather than a family member. Their actions are influenced by the desperate need to survive financially without Gregor’s income.
2. Emotional Detachment and Fear
Over time, Gregor’s family becomes emotionally detached, perceiving him more as a creature than as their son and brother. Initially, there is a sense of shock and denial about Gregor’s condition, but this soon turns into fear and revulsion. They struggle to reconcile the insect with the person they once knew. Grete, who initially takes on the responsibility to care for him, gradually becomes more alienated and weary of the effort required. The family members justify their decision partly through this emotional exhaustion and fear of the unknown, as Gregor-as-an-insect becomes a source of constant anxiety and discomfort in their lives.
3. Social Stigma and Isolation
The social repercussions of Gregor’s condition are also a significant justification for the family’s actions. The Samsas are keenly aware of the social stigma associated with having a monstrous insect in their home. They attempt to keep Gregor hidden from visitors, such as potential renters, to avoid embarrassment and judgment. Their concern over maintaining a semblance of normalcy and respectability in society adds to their rationale for wanting to remove Gregor.
4. Personal Liberation
Gregor’s presence as an insect restricts his family’s freedom. They see his removal as a path to personal liberation, both physically by reclaiming space in their home and psychologically by removing the constant reminder of their distressing circumstances. Grete, in particular, desires independence and unburdened life, believing that Gregor’s continued presence halts her progress and that of her family. This desire feeds into their justification for wanting him gone.
5. Grete’s Transformation and Assertion
Grete’s development in the story is marked by her growing frustration and assertion of independence. She ultimately becomes a driving force behind the decision to remove Gregor. Her statement that they must find a way to get rid of the “creature” reflects her transition from a supportive sister to an independent individual who sees Gregor’s removal as necessary for the future well-being of the family. Her evolving view and determination underscore the family’s rationale that Gregor’s departure is for the greater good.
6. Symbolic Act for New Beginnings
The decision to get rid of Gregor is also symbolic of the family seeking a fresh start. By the novella’s conclusion, the Samsas undergo a transformation themselves, shifting from dependence on Gregor to finding their own ways of functioning and thriving together. The act of getting rid of Gregor signifies their embrace of this new chapter, aiming for a life unburdened by Gregor’s presence and the despair associated with it.
Summary: In The Metamorphosis, the family justifies their decision to get rid of Gregor the insect through the cumulative pressures of economic survival, emotional detachment, social reputation, and desire for liberation. Each of these elements contributes to their perception of Gregor, now more as a hindrance than a family member, driving the difficult choice to remove him from their lives. Kafka uses this transformation of family dynamics to explore deeper themes of isolation, duty, and identity. @Ozkanx