UNIVERSAL ISOLATION Feelings of seclusion and isolation possess universal implications. All people experience some rejection or estrangement in some form in their lifetime. Families often, whether intentionally or unintentionally, contribute to such feelings. Kafka uses distortion of reality and dehumanization of his main character in his story, The Metamorphosis, in order to emphasize a theme of alienation and rejection. In the first few sentences of his story, Kafka asks the reader to suspend reality and accept a large distortion through his turning of Gregor Samsa into a dung beetle. Gregor’s transformation into an insect acts as a metaphor for his human life. His family treats him like a worthless insect; they force him to support them through working a very demanding job as a commercial traveler. Because he serves only one purpose of supporting them, Gregor’s family solely recognizes him as long as he fulfills that purpose. Kafka claims that “they had simply got used to it [provisions given by Gregor], both the family and Gregor; the money was gratefully accepted and gladly given, but there was no special uprush of warm feeling.”1 Although Gregor’s family acts grateful for his support, they do not truly appreciate him and simply tolerate his existence as long as he serves the function they desire of him. As soon as Gregor transforms into an insect and his family realizes they have lost their sole provider, Gregor changes in their eyes to a repulsive entity which only further alienates him. By allowing Gregor to transform into a worthless insect, Kafka portrays how others truly view his human existence. Not only does the distortion of reality convey a sense of alienation, but the Samsas’ actions and attitudes toward Gregor further emphasize Kafka’s theme of rejection and isolation. Although Grete previously maintained a rather close relationship 1
Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. (New York: Shocken Books, Inc., 1971). p. 111