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Running head: METAMORPHOSIS 0

Kafka’s Metamorphosis

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This paper focuses on analyzing the theme of alienation as portrayed in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” in which the main character, Gregor Samsa, transforms into a giant bug. Gregor, due to his new condition becomes even more separated from those around him including his family and friends.

The three lines that contribute to the main theme include, first, “one morning when Gregor Samsa woke up from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin”(para.1).The aspect examined in this line is Gregor’s innermost fears being truly realized. This line introduces a supernatural occurrence which further adds complexity to Gregor’s alienation.

The second line is, “That set his mother screaming a new, she fled from the table and into the arms of his father as he rushed towards her” (para. 30).This shows the onset of Gregor’s alienation in which his family is shocked by his transformation and find him horrific based on the reactions.

The third line is “He spent the whole night there. Some of the time he passed in alight sleep, although frequently woke from it in alarm because of his hunger…”(para. 36).This line also adds to Gregor’s alienation in which he tries to spare his family the horror of his new body changes at the expense of his discomfort. His room is instrumental in that he seeks solace in it.

The three lines are interconnected in that they serve to illuminate Gregor’s struggles to come to terms with his new condition. The first line acts as a way to make the audience sympathize with him because there is no clear explanation as to how he came to be a bug. He appears to be a good person even working at a job he does not like and is worried about his family’s comfort over his new condition. The second line shows that those close to him albeit, innocently, react negatively to his situation instead of offering comfort and solidarity. The third line shows Gregor as being self-sacrificing by being barricaded in his room which is beneficial to his family but further alienates him.

This paper further integrates the use of two secondary sources which contribute to the theme of alienation. Sokel (1956, pg.205) argues that Gregor, “upon waking up to find himself transformed ponders much more over his job than over his strange misfortune”. This adds a new twist to the main argument in that rather being transformed into a bug making him feel alienated actually frees him from work obligations. Fenlon (2013) observes positive aspect of Gregor’s alienation that has served to transform the characters into a functional arrangement since Gregor was always the breadwinner. The two secondary sources introduce a contradictory argument as to how Gregor’s alienation serves his purposes that of being the key breadwinner. This is evidenced in the first and second paragraphs in which Gregor finds his new predicament amusing rather than horrifying and even laments about having to wake up to go to work. It also helps his family to come to the realization of their true capabilities. Therefore this presents two sides of the argument making it credible.

Outline

The introduction provides the thesis statement based on the theme of alienation.

Working thesis

Gregor’s transformation into a bug serves as a precursor for his alienation including the actions of those close to him.

First paragraph

Gregor sudden transformation into a bug is puzzling which makes his alienation more complicated. The first indicative example is when he wakes up and finds that he is actually turned into a bug and it is not just a bad dream(para.1).The second example is Gregor thinking that going back to sleep will resolve his dilemma(para.2).

Second paragraph

Gregor’s family and friends, although well-intentioned further make him feel isolated. The first example, is when his mother screams in fear after sighting him (para.30).The second example is when Gregor’s father stamps his foot with the Chief Clerk’s stick (para.30).

Third paragraph

Gregor’s consideration for others while honorable alienates him more. The first example is Gregor’s self-exile into his room where he observes his family going about their normal routine through a crack in the door (para.33).The second example is when Gregor spends the whole night in his room despite feeling hunger pangs(para. 36).

Conclusion

This summarizes the main arguments and restates the main theme. Despite Gregor’s life appearing to be mediocre by his own admission such as working at job he dislikes, his transformation into a bug exacerbates his situation adding the alienation aspect. His family and friends also build upon his isolation.

Argument

This paper focuses on discussing the key theme of alienation by drawing on examples in the book. The examples outlined will serve this purpose to bring out the true aspects of the main character’s situation including illuminating the roles of the other characters.

The topic sentences will serve to introduce the main arguments of each paragraph including the examples from the book which will provide the evidence. From this the reason will be adequately provided. The aim is to ensure that the audience relates to the main character’s alienation and how those around him add to the problem. The conclusion will reemphasize the main argument and restate the thesis.

References

Fenlon, J. (2013). On Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. Retrieved from http://www.e-ir.info/2013/06/21/on-kaftas-themetamorphosis/

Kafka, F. (). Metamorphosis. Retrieved from https://www.gutenberg.org/files/5200/5200-h/5200-h.htm

Sokel, W.H. (1956). Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”: Rebellion and Punishment. The University of Wisconsin Press Journals Division, 48(4), pp.203-214

Kafka the metamorphosis

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Lif and imes of Michael k