Gregor Samsa as a Pet
When Franz Kafka chose to have Gregor Samsa transform from a human to an insect, it was a decision that had some significance behind it. As we discussed in class, the feelings and interactions between Gregor and the family wouldn't have been the same if he had turned into a bunny or a cat instead of an insect. While Grete and the mother tend to show some sympathy and love towards Gregor by the end, their initial reaction to Gregor's transformation was a normal, expected one: they were repulsed/afraid and kept their distance from him. On the contrary, if he had turned into an animal that we associate with cuteness and domestic ability, then the family would have reacted differently. For example, if Gregor had turned into cat, the family might have been shocked and scared by what happened, but they definitely wouldn't have isolated him. In fact, they might have kept him really close because a cat is an animal that we keep near us and don't associate fear with it.
As the story progresses, Grete is the only family member that seems to care enough to try and keep him alive and "comfortable." Even though Gregor feels happy that Grete still loves him and is trying to help him in ways that she can, I feel bad for him because it seems like she is only doing it out of obligation but not because she wants to. However, I do think that Grete (and his mother) would have been more inclined to help Gregor out of their own willingness if he was a cuter animal. In class we also talked about how there is also the popular fear of being attacked or harmed by an insect, but with a bunny, they wouldn't have to feel that way, which could also help explain why they would have treated Gregor better.
Regarding his father, I don't think he would have acted very differently whether Gregor was an insect or a cute little bunny. Gregor's father was portrayed as a somewhat harsh, distant character who wasn't very close to Gregor to begin with. By the end of the story, especially when he was throwing apples at Gregor, it seemed to me that he felt Gregor was a sort of burden and was grateful that he was finally gone. I think that he would have been ready to isolate Gregor no matter what creature he turned into but the fact that it was an insect meant that he didn't have to justify his actions to his family or to anyone else.
While the story would have been different if Gregor wasn't an insect, it wouldn't have had much to discuss. By choosing an insect, Kafka provided the readers with much more conflict and drama.
Regarding his father, I don't think he would have acted very differently whether Gregor was an insect or a cute little bunny. Gregor's father was portrayed as a somewhat harsh, distant character who wasn't very close to Gregor to begin with. By the end of the story, especially when he was throwing apples at Gregor, it seemed to me that he felt Gregor was a sort of burden and was grateful that he was finally gone. I think that he would have been ready to isolate Gregor no matter what creature he turned into but the fact that it was an insect meant that he didn't have to justify his actions to his family or to anyone else.
While the story would have been different if Gregor wasn't an insect, it wouldn't have had much to discuss. By choosing an insect, Kafka provided the readers with much more conflict and drama.
I wonder if the choice isn't also related to empathy. It’s a dark idea, but if he had been a cuter animal we would be much more revolted by the story. Had a huge kitten or puppy died of neglect, disgust would have overshadowed the storyline. However, most people are able to sympathize with having to get rid of an insect in our homes. It makes it so that we, as readers, understand the Samsas’ but at the same time feel conflicted since we know Gregor is the insect being disposed of.
ReplyDeleteI agree. We've also talked a lot about how self-deprecating Gregor is. After he dies, his family suddenly becomes assertive and happy, and Gregor is consistently portrayed as pathetic when he's alive, like when he grovels at the chief clerk and allows his family to walk all over him. I almost think that an animal other than an insect would be "too good" for this portrayal of Gregor. Furthermore, a giant insect is much creepier than a giant puppy, so turning him into an animal we perceive as cuter would take a way from the story's vibes.
ReplyDeleteKafka's choice of transforming Gregor into an insect instead of some "cuter" animal like a dog or a bunny allows him to play with the family dynamics post-transformation. When Gregor interacts with his father, he notes the carefulness he must have with his movement so that he isn't displaying an act of violence. If Gregor was one of those other cute animals, he wouldn't have to worry about this and his mother probably be more accepting of his transformation.
ReplyDeleteA central idea within this is that although most of us would treat a cat differently than a monstrous insect, we have to take into account that the family isn't sure this is Gregor. Honestly if it were a common house pet, the family might have let it go so they could focus on finding their son. Since Gregor was a giant insect, they felt obligated to keep him out of the public eye and therefore locked him up
ReplyDeleteI agree, if Gregor had been transformed into a different animal, the plot would have played out way differently. His family, especially Grete, who he shared a close bond with, would not have isolated him in the way that they did. I believe Kafka intentionally turned Gregor into an insect to emphasize his family's dynamics. Even now, when the word "insect" comes to mind, we think of these revolting creatures that do no good in our society. This reaction is seen with Gregor's mother. Not once did she take a close look at Gregor without fainting or being brought to tears, revealing that not even her love for her son could overcome her fear and disgust of insects. If Gregor had been transformed into anything more appealing, the whole premise of this novel would have changed.
ReplyDeleteI think another difference is that if Gregor had transformed into something less repulsive, like a bunny or kitten, he would still serve them in some way as a cute pet. They love him when he can serve them. On the other hand, there is no way he can serve them as a giant, disgusting insect. He is only a pest to them.
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