Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Metamorphosis - Writing Prompt

In the novella "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka, Gregor Samsa is turned into a gigantic bug. Critics say that this transformation is called morphing because he is a human that wakes up as a bug. Grete, Gregor's sister, is affected by Gregor's metamorphosis. The metamorphosis affects Grete and Gregor's view of themselves, others and the world around them. Grete and Gregor's views contribute to the overall meaning of the work: sometimes one only goes to family for money.
When Gregor's metamorphosis happens, it affects both Gregor and Grete's view of themselves. Gregor sees himself as useless because he cannot provide for his family anymore. He brought the money home for his family since no one in his home worked. Gregor also feels like he is letting his family down. Grete helps Gregor when he is a bug. She gives him food and cleans up his room because no one else will. She feels that she is being loyal to her family because she is taking on the responsibility of taking care of Gregor.
The metamorphosis also affects Grete and Gregor's view of others. Gregor sees Grete as such a good sister because she is taking care of him. He feels that his mom is so brave for coming into his room and he feels terrible for scaring her with his hideous looks. Grete is terrified of Gregor and thinks that he should not try to scare her even though he does not try to.
The views of Grete and Gregor toward the world in general are affected by Gregor's metamorphosis. Gregor thinks that the world will not miss him because he is a nobody. Grete is excited to finally get into the world. Grete has no job and no relationship so she believes that soon she will be able to have these things when she leaves.
When Gregor's metamorphosis affects the views of him and Grete, it contributes to the overall meaning of the work which is sometimes one only goes to family for money. Once Gregor turns into a bug, his family sees that he can no longer work and make money. Since Gregor is of no use to his family economically any more, they abandon him by ignoring him. When Grete and Gregor 's views change, the feelings of the family change toward Gregor. Gregor's metamorphosis morphs his family's views toward Gregor because they can't go to him for money anymore: thus the message of the novella.
The views of Grete and Gregor change due to Gregor's metamorphosis. Their views of themselves, others and the world all contribute to the Samsa family changing their views of Gregor. The family can no longer use Gregor economically so they leave him because he cannot make money which is the message of the novella.

2 comments:

JahleiaC said...

I really don't understand who the person your comparing to Gregor that also undergoes morphing.If its Grete you should talk more about the changes that Grete goes through in the story. In the 1st paragraph you use both affect and effect,make sure your using the right one. 15th Commandment "Thou shalt choose your words carefully." On the AP Rubric scale I give you a 2. Srry Kells:(

Becca said...

Good thesis
way to stick to the thesis statement through the whole essay
way to follow the commandments; but watch the way you use your words
explain more how Grete morphs
overall score: 7