Symbolism in Metamorphosis - 1479 Words

Discuss symbolism in Kafka’s Metamorphosis. What does he seek to convey through the use of symbols in his work? In Franz Kafkas novel, Metamorphosis, a man awakens from sleep to find out he’s been transmogrified into a grotesque vermin, a cockroach the size of a human being. Gregor Samsa, the breadwinner of the family realizes his services towards his family were never really appreciated when he metamorphoses. The attitude of his father, mother and sister go some degrees cooler until through detection, disgust and fear exhibited by his family, he goes on a ‘hunger strike’ and dies. In this novella, Kafka puts across divisive matters in this novella by putting in a lot of symbols to disguise the true meaning of the novella. The first†¦show more content†¦Time, I believe is the symbol for exactness. It finalizes it events and makes it more credible as if time is involved we can assume it really happened. Gregor worked with time unto the end. It was what pushed him to work. He literally worked with time. Time was one of the deciding factors in his life as when he wo ke up at the wrong time he was almost devastated. The apple I believe serves as a symbol of the pain and hurtful words issued to Gregor by his family. The apple in his back came about as a result of the pent up fury of his father. One can assume the apples were the hurtful words of Gregor’s father as he was frustrated with his son’s metamorphosis. I think the apples here serve as a biblical allusion like the apples of the Garden of Eden which caused sin to be introduced into the world. The apples or the eating of the apples by Adam and Eve caused pain and death, just like the apples where one lodged in the back of Gregor, causing an infection leading to his death. The picture of the lady, the only picture he has in his room, is a symbol of freedom and the outside world. The woman stands firm with a fur coat wrapped around her. Fur is a material usually associated with the rich. The picture could also indicate the wealth Gregor hoped to acquire after paying his parentsà ¢â‚¬â„¢ debt. Also it could also symbolize his only ‘friend’ who stood with him at all times. He has ‘a couple of friends he had in other companies, a chambermaid in a hotel out in the provincesShow MoreRelated Essay on Symbolism in Kafkas Metamorphosis903 Words   |  4 PagesSymbolism in Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis    Kafka uses symbolism in his short story, Metamorphosis.   He uses this technique to make the reader try and figure out what was going on in his head.   He brought out in this story many things about his life, including his father/family, love life, and his future.   He used metaphors to show his love for people in his life.   This story is autobiographical about the forces that control Franz Kafkas life.   In this paper I will explain how KafkaRead MoreSymbolism in Franz Kalfkas The Metamorphosis Essay837 Words   |  4 PagesSymbolism in Franz Kafka’s â€Å"The Metamorphosis† In Franz Kafka’s â€Å"The Metamorphosis†, the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, in desperate need of appreciation, took the responsibility and obligation of maintaining his unappreciative family member’s every day life. 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