Initial Transformation
● One morning, Gregor Samsa unexpectedly awakens to discover he has
transformed into a giant insect-like creature.
● Struggling with his bizarre new physical form, he finds himself unable to get out of
bed.
● Prior to his transformation, Gregor was a dedicated travelling salesman who
served as the primary financial supporter for his entire family.
● Gregor struggles to control his body but increasingly in the story adapts.
Key Takeaways
Absurdism in that Gregor did not question his alienation. This adds to ambiguity. Gregor
is selfless and a salesman, he cares deeply about his family. The ending of the story is
also absurd because the family didn’t mourn his death.
Family Reaction and Initial Adaptation
● His family is immediately shocked and horrified by his inexplicable
metamorphosis.
● Gregor's work manager arrives to investigate his sudden absence from his job.
● Despite his physical transformation, Gregor retains the ability to understand
human speech, though he cannot communicate effectively.
● As time progresses, his family becomes increasingly distressed and emotionally
alienated from him.
Gradual Family Dynamics Shift
● The family adapts and begins to find work and not rely solely on Gregor
● In response to the family's new circumstances, Gregor's father returns to work
after years of unemployment.
● His father resents Gregor, and the father gets compared to a snake, and hurts
Gregor. This is one of the events that showcase the fathers hatred.
● His sister Grete initially shows compassion by caring for him, and one event
where she presented food for Gregor, and he barely ate and was attracted to
rotten food adds to the theme of dehumanisation. However, later on she gradually
resents Gregor more and more.
● The mother being a mother still has that unbreakable motherly care for Gregor.
● The first servant lady was in fear after finding out about Gregor’s metamorphosis,
and she begged to leave.
● To generate additional income, the family begins renting out rooms to boarders.
Deterioration and Isolation
● Gregor undergoes many events that deepen dehumanisation and isolation
● Gregor experiences a profound sense of isolation and gradual deterioration in his
relationship with his family.
Key paragraphs and events
● The thud and elasticity in paragraph 16-17 are key symbols that symbolise
resilience
● The father is described as a snake, and hurting Gregor. This shows that the father
hates Gregor and deepens the theme of dehumanisation (paragraph 42.)
● When Grete presents his favourite food and other pieces of food and vegetables.
Gregor barely eats anything and he couldn’t bear the smell of fresh food. However,
he was interested in the rotten food. This deepens his transformation and adds to
the theme of dehumanisation. (paragraph 43-44)
● Gregor began to perceive things and had a transformation in sight deepens the
transformation of Gregor. (paragraph 59)
Grete’s importance rises, and Gregor is getting alienated by the family increasingly.
(paragraph 62) deepens the theme of alienation.
Gregor finally adapts and has full control over his body. (paragraph 63)
The family starts removing pieces of furniture from Gregor’s room. This deepens the idea
of alienation since he is transforming constantly into a bug-like creature. However,
Gregor clings to the photo of a woman dressed in fur. This symbolises Gregor’s
attraction to his human nature and shows deep down he is still human. (paragraph 69)
Very Important Event: When the mother fainted at the sight of Gregor, Gregor rushed to
his unconscious mother. When Gregor’s father sees Gregor, he assumes Gregor
committed a violent crime and drives an apple into Gregor’s back. The mother begged to
spare Gregor’s life and Grete was screaming and this event was a catalyst for Gregor’s
death. (paragraph 75-79)
Gregor remembers his past life and co-workers he used to interact with. This shows that
Gregor misses his human life and adds to the themes of the story. (paragraph 86)
Very Important Event and Climax: When the lodgers eat together, and Grete performs for
them, Gregor leaves the room and the lodgers spot Gregor in shock. The father
immediately tried to conceal Gregor. The lodgers used this event to claim that they will
not pay for anything and they may take action. (paragraph 98)
Gregor finally succumbs and dies and in his death he still had the feelings of a human.
(paragraph 113)
The family moves on, finds a new apartment and Grete develops into a
beautiful young lady fit for marriage. After Gregor’s death the family are left
only with positive events and move on. This event is absurd because the
family did not even mourn Gregor’s death.
