Why would Kafka use transformation as a motif?
- He believed he had no hope for any change of becoming normal again.
- He thought that he was not noticed by society and by his family.
- He felt more free of his actions, but more insecure of his appearance.
Gregor's Transformation: Random or Purposeful?
How did Gregor view his own transformation?
- If you only read the book his transformation is random, but if have background knowledge of the author then the transformation doesn't appear so random.
- His transformation is externalized in the book if the reader has background knowledge of Franz Kafka, and if they analyze Gregor's personality.
Gregor's changes
Physical
- His wounds heal faster than when he was human.
- Differences in body control throughout the story.
Psychological
- Enjoys food that he didn't before.
- Believes that he is a waste of space.
Emotional
- Feels isolated from his family.
- Confused about his purpose of life.
The Metamorphosis: The
Motif of Transformation