In Franz Kafka's, "The Metamorphosis," Gregor Samsa does not accept either his physical or mental transformation. He doesn't consciously make the decision to change. By definition, metamorphosis is a transformation that takes place in which the subject has no control. The subject doesn't choose to make a change; it just happens naturally. Gregor's change takes place overnight.
Gregor's predicament is much like someone who is suffering from a chronic illness or disability. He has no power over his many of his actions. He is now a bug and does not know how to react to that fact. All of his senses have changed due to the fact that he is now a dung beetle. His vision is one thing that has changed. For example, the hospital across the street is no longer in his range of vision. His voice also seems to have changed, and it is not recognizable to his family or to the representative of his employer who stops by his house.
gregor at loch duich
Gregor Books and Giraffe Heroes
Franz Kafka's grave in Prague-Žižkov.His physical control over his own body is also affected. He has trouble walking with all of his new legs that have sprouted overnight. It is also difficult for him to get up off his bed. In addition, he also gets wedged in the doorway when trying to leave the room. His sense of balance is thrown off by all of his physical changes that have occurred. He is beginning to see how the world around him, that he cannot control, differs from all the liberties he has to create for himself (Banach).
Many times the word metamorphosis means a transformation that has a positive effect, such as a plain caterpillar becoming a beautiful, vibrant butterfly.
Gregor's conversion into a beetle, however is a negative one. His metamorphosis that he goes through takes a toll...