Essay Isolation in Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis

Franz Kafka’s clear isolation of Gregor underlines the families’ separation from society. In The Metamorphosis, Kafka emphasizes Gregor’s seclusion from his family. However, Gregor’s separation is involuntary unlike the family who isolates themselves by the choices they make. Each family member has characteristics separating them from society. These characteristics become more unraveling than Gregor, displaying the true isolation contained in The Metamorphosis. Grete’s isolation from society stems from her passion and interest for her loved ones. Grete spends all her time at home caring for her family members. Kafka describes her as â€Å"perceptive; she had already begun to cry when Gregor was still lying calmly on his back†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦Complaining about their financial status supports his vinegary attitude towards the work force. Mr. Samsa’s stubborn attitude about work extols his real feelings about so ciety. By rejecting work, which represents society, he defines self isolation. Being in the work force causes Mr. Samsa to become lazy; losing all consciousness of social acceptance. His uniform becomes soiled as a result of refusing to let it be washed. His dirty uniform shows his lack of interest in how other people perceive him. Mr. Samsa follows the same routine every day. Each night upon returning from work he can be found sitting in his chair in the living room. â€Å"This garment, covered with stains and gleaming with its constantly polished gold buttons, in which the old man slept most uncomfortably and yet peacefully† (Kafka 39). Sleeping in his uniform symbolizes Mr. Samsa’s subliminal desire to be accepted into society. The choices made by Mr. Samsa source judgments economically and socially. Mrs. Samsa’s health confines her ability to fit in with society. Mrs. Samsa suffers from asthma. Although this specific condition is frequent, the way she reacts to it isolates her from society. â€Å"His mother, who still could not catch her breath, began to cough dully behind her hand, a wild look in her eyes† (Kafka 48). Throughout the text she is seenShow MoreRelatedIsolation In Franz Kafkas Metamorphosis1145 Words   |  5 Pagesalso felt this way. Isolation refers to the situation of being alone and/or without others around. Due to his transformation, Gregor was immediately isolated unlike his other family members who chose to be away from their problems in the world. Everyone in the Samsa family has their own reasons of why they chose to be isolated from society. Due to these choices, the entire Samsa family also undergo transformations. 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