A struggle for freedom - Metamorphosis by Kafka

I had been meaning to read "Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka for a while, and I finally got around to it. Kafka is a well-known writer whose works explore themes of existentialism, alienation, and absurdity. His writing style is so distinctive that the term "Kafkaesque" has been coined to describe situations that are reminiscent of his works.

Kafka's stories often depict characters who are trapped in oppressive systems and feel alienated from society. This sense of isolation and detachment is reflected in "Metamorphosis" through Gregor's transformation into a bug-like creature. His physical change is a metaphor for the emotional and psychological isolation that he experiences.

The story also reflects the author's own personal struggles with his domineering father, which is evident in the strained relationship between Gregor and his own father. The theme of father-son relationships is a recurring one in Kafka's works, and it adds a personal dimension to the story.

Chapter 1 of "Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka portrays the character of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesperson who hates his job and wants to quit after paying off his parents' debt. This reflects his desire to break free from the capitalist rat race that defines his existence, as he spends most of his time traveling away from his family. He expresses his disapproval of the false notion that salespeople are misunderstood to be wanderers who have no care and don't actually work. Despite his dislike for his job, he continues to work to pay off his parents' debt, which shows his sense of responsibility towards his family.

One day, Gregor wakes up to find himself metamorphosed into a roach-like creature, as suggested by his description of himself and what he sees. What's strange is that he sees and acknowledges this sudden change, but his only worry is getting to the train station on time for his 5 am train so he can reach his assignment on time. This reflects the vicious cycle of capitalism that we are all stuck in, where work and deadlines become the primary focus of our lives, even at the cost of our own well-being.

Despite being transformed into a terrifying creature, Gregor is still concerned about losing his job and being unable to pay off his parents' debt. This shows how work and money dominate our lives and how they affect our behavior and priorities. His mother knocks on his room door when the clerk from the office comes over to check on him, but Gregor is unable to answer and can only produce strange croaks. His mother assumes he is sick and sends his sister to find a doctor and a key-smith to open the door.

The clerk shows no regard for Gregor's health and instead tells him that the boss will not take his side when he decides to sack Gregor for his bad behavior. Gregor tries to open the door and succeeds, but everyone outside is horrified to see the terrifying creature that he has become. The clerk leaves in terror, and Gregor's father tries to drive him back into his room, displaying a lack of compassion towards his own son. The father's behavior is comparable to Kafka's description of his own ill-tempered father, who he claimed was a domestic tyrant. This suggests that Kafka may have drawn inspiration from his own experiences and used his writing as a way to explore his relationship with his father.

Chapter 2 of the book delves into various aspects.

Gregor somewhat struggles to adapt to his newfound isolation and often reminisces about the past when he took care of his family's needs and worried about their future. Although he has come to accept his helplessness, he spends long hours brooding in a somewhat serene manner. He finds solace when he overhears that his father has savings that could support the family and that his father's health is improving, indicating a possible return to work.

Gregor's sister, Grete, assumes full responsibility for taking care of him in his apparently grotesque form. She recognizes that his needs have changed from when he was her brother in human form. She understands his dietary preferences, routines, and the adjustments he needs to make in his new life. Surprisingly, Grete finds a sense of purpose and self-confidence in being fully responsible for Gregor. Even their parents trust her judgement when it comes to attending to Gregor's needs. This speaks volumes about how us as humans try and hold onto things that help us feel relevant. Grete realizes that her opinion carries weight and significance, which, combined with her youthful frivolity, encourages her to further fulfill this new role. One day, Grete decides that Gregor needs more space to crawl in his room and decides to rearrange the furniture with their mother's help.

During the process of making these changes, Gregor initially feels excited about the prospect of having more empty space for his movements. However, he soon realizes that he is distancing himself further from his human self. He experiences a moment of crisis and realizes that he wants to hold on to a few sentimental objects that can still connect him to his past as a human. He climbs up to a framed photograph of a woman that was mounted on the wall, which Grete and their mother intended to remove. When the mother catches sight of Gregor, she is terrified. Grete rushes to get her mother's anti-asthmatic medicines to prevent an attack. Meanwhile, Gregor leaves the room to follow them, so as not to be completely cut off from the situation.

As the father enters through the main door, Grete explains the situation to him. The father, as usual, becomes infuriated, believing that Gregor is up to something wrong. He becomes aggressive and throws apples at Gregor, not only to drive him back into his room but seemingly with the intent to harm him, as if he no longer recognizes Gregor as his son. This chapter, in my interpretation, highlights how the family gradually alienates Gregor, not just physically but also emotionally, despite knowing that he is still Gregor. It can be seen as a reflection of how humans unconsciously discriminate based on species (speciesism). We are so consumed by our own survival that we fail to realize that we share this world with other beings and that this space belongs to them as well. Anything that cannot be domesticated is deemed dangerous in our conditioned minds, leading us to believe that anything beyond our control exists by mistake.

Chapter 3 depicts how Gregor, following the tragic incident, realizes that he is condemned to remain in his transformed state indefinitely, further isolating himself from the world. He loses interest in food and ceases to investigate the happenings within the house. One might interpret Gregor's state of mind as stoic, as he recognizes that his existence will inevitably lead to his demise and has made peace with his fate, devoid of any hope. 

Grete becomes engrossed in her new job and therefore has less time to spare for Gregor and his condition. Dust gradually settles on the furniture in his room, untouched meals are left neglected, and the bare minimum is done about this situation. Regrettably, Gregor's plight loses its sense of urgency, causing him to exist while simultaneously ceasing to exist in the minds of his loved ones. 

One day Gregor notices that the family has rented out the adjacent room to some boarders. In the afternoon, while the boarders and Gregor's parents listen to Grete playing the violin, she becomes so absorbed in her music that she fails to notice the boarders' growing disappointment. Disregarding the background music, the boarders shift their attention to the window, lighting their cigarettes, leaving Grete oblivious to their indifference. Overwhelmed by his love for his sister, Gregor, without considering the consequences, ventures out of his room to convey to Grete that she should cease playing for these unappreciative men. This action alarms the boarders, who react furiously, promptly giving notice to vacate the premises without paying for their previous stay due to the presence of disgusting creatures living under the same roof. 

This particular moment shatters my heart as a reader. It is the instant when Grete, for the first time, loses her temper and insists that they must let go of Gregor. She believes it is essential to reclaim their normal lives, oblivious to the fact that Gregor understands their words and comprehends their intentions. As a result, Gregor retreats back into his room. That night, he realizes the futility of his existence and succumbs to his feeble state, taking his last breath. Gregor's fate is undeniably tragic, but there is a sense of relief in the fact that he is liberated from the relentless cycle of human materialism. Although his transformation isolates him from the world, it also releases him from the insanity of human societal norms. In a way, his metamorphosis becomes a symbol of freedom from the materialistic society. 

What astonishes me is the family's response when they are informed of Gregor's passing the following morning by the maid. After briefly confirming the news, they express little sadness. They gather together in a room for a few minutes, and that seems to be the extent of their emotional involvement regarding the death of their once beloved son. They gather their belongings and embark on a long drive, discussing prospects for the future as if what transpired was secretly desired. This realization highlights the fickle nature of human beings, capable of moving on from inconvenient circumstances as if they held no significance. It is both a blessing and a curse to possess the ability to adapt to change and move forward. Gregor becomes nothing more than a faded memory.

Gregor's character represents someone who primarily lived for others rather than himself. He appears to be trapped in a vicious cycle, consumed by his role as the patriarch responsible for his family's well-being, leaving no room for the development of his own interests and desires. Gregor's father's commitment to providing for the family probably influences Gregor to take on the same responsibility. This could be due to strong influence of traditional gender roles and societal expectations. By conforming to these expectations, Gregor became trapped in a predetermined path that limited his personal growth. It is a reminder to appreciate the freedom of being. To be grateful while we have space to grow and the liberty to make choices.

 To me, Gregor's life resonates with a quote I once read: "Freedom, in any case, is only possible through constant struggle for it." 

And his last breath? It finally sets him free.