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Figurative Language and Symbolism in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
906
Figurative
Language and
symbolism in The
Metamorphosis
by Franz
Kafka
The insect/vermin
that Gregor has become
can represent many things.
1. Drone worker in a capitalist government.
2. Represents Gregor's place in his family (shows the
essence of his being)
3. Insects are filthy, insignificant creatures. They
are not desired by society.
4. Type of insect never specified. It is assumed
that the type does not matter.
5. Animal=ultimate freedom from society
The picture frame
in his bedroom can
represent multiple things
1. The woman pictured must represnt a woman
that he cares for or has a special attachment to, since he wouldn't let his family take the portrait away.
2. Essentially, this portrait is the only object in the novel
suggesting that Gregor once had a life outside of work
3. He keeps emotional attachments to this photograph
even after his transformation
- gives away Gregor's humanity even as an insect
the transformation itself
literal or figurative?
novel never gives any intimating info
does it matter?
Kafka's realist style
Makes the storyline seem real,
as if there is nothing out of the ordinary
with Gregor's transformation
- descriptive
- questions the reality of the transformation
Symbolism
Gregor's father
hard, cold, dominant
Very autobiographical
Various uses of figurative language
extended metaphor
-entire novella could be seen as an extended metaphor-as the transition from the provider of the family into an essentially useless being brought on by resentment and guilt.
-perhaps what he wanted?
Point of View
third person limited
- shows internal thought processes of
Gregor throughout his transformation
Impact--Makes Gregor's own reality more pronounced and vital than the actual reality of the situations among him
Religious
- many see Gregor's sacrifice and transformation
similar to that of Jesus's
Other References
The Number Three
Common number in novel