Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka

Abstract
       Gregor is a young and successful man that is supporting his family, until one day something happens that changes his life forever. He wakes up and he is a gigantic insect. He life in immediately changed forever. He isn't able to support his family and they begin to be affected by this change and they all gave to get jobs. In the end Gregor dies because of starvation.


Journal
           Franz Kafka wrote a very interesting story that symbolizes the reality of his life. His father was a businessman who was always busy and never had time for his family. Gregor in this story represents Kafka’s father. They were both businessmen who are always on the go and were hard working men. They never stopped to enjoy life with their family of just relax because they are so focused on their job. Kafka wrote, “The Metamorphosis” because he wanted to show people that working so hard turns you into a monster in a sense.  Why would Franz Kafka write about something he hated so much? Why would he encourage the fame and icon of his father? Was it so he could teach others to change or maybe to express his feeling through writings.

In the story Gregor is disabled to work or even support his family. At first the family is sympathetic, but soon they become impatient with him. The reason for this frustration is because of the economic standing of Gregor’s family. They couldn’t support their selves just on Gregor’s savings so they all had to get jobs. This becomes a struggle because they aren’t able to care for Gregor and work at the same time. They have to adjust their life and get rid of their cook, their house cleaner, etc. They no longer are of the higher economic class; they have now dropped to middle class if not lower. Gregor’s mother has to sell her jewels for money so they can live. Also they sell some of the furniture in Gregor’s room in order to support themselves. Does this economic instance show how Kafka had to live his life?

This story shows how taking away someone’s job can bring them to reality. It shows the person what they’ve missed out on while busy working. In the story Gregor finally sees how talented his sister is at the violin. He had never noticed it before because he was so busy working. He loves her music and knows that she could get into Conservatorium and he wants to help her get there, but it’s too late. Gregor can’t speak to her and she is afraid of Gregor so the dream that he had for is sister is just a fantasy. This story makes me realize that you can’t take the things in life for granted because otherwise you will regret no participating in activities and you’ll never get the full experience of life.

            In “The Metamorphosis” it also shows how someone so focused on their work will die alone. Gregor never really was susceptive to what was around him. He doesn’t notice this until he is changed. Throughout the story his sister cares for him, but in the end just gives up. This example shows how someone so successful can become so lonely.