The Metamorphosis: Blog 1

In the first few pages of Kafka's novella, the narrator presents a simple, non-alarming tone that contradicts the severity of the protagonist's situation. Transformed into a giant insect, Gregor undermines his well being and falls back to his usual mindset on his routine lifestyle. Rather than acknowledge that his shocking transformation may alienate him from his family and acquaintances and fracture his life, he ignores it, or, at the most, views it as a minor setback to his daily schedule. Ironically, once the Director threatens to fire Gregor, Gregor becomes emotional and pleads to stay on the job, noting his commitment to his dull routine and drone-like work ethics as positive factors, rather than directing that emotion to when he realizes he has transformed into an insect. Through his simple thoughts on tasks and focus to returning to work, Gregor, too enveloped in conformity, shocks the audience with his disinterest in his being and self-interest.