The Theme of Power & Subordination in Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis
The theme of power and subordination in Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is most notable in the shift that occurs between Gregor and his family after Gregor transforms into a giant insect. Prior to his transformation, Gregor played the role as the sole earner for his family. Money is directly related to power in this story because when Gregor was the one earning, he was the head of the household and made the decisions.
For example, he wanted to send his sister Grete to a conservatory to study violin—an endeavor that would undoubtedly cost a lot of money. When Gregor becomes a bug, overnight his life goes from being meaningful and fulfilling to having no purpose. Despite the fact that Gregor despises his job, it gives him a sense of authority and control in his otherwise dead-end life.
Following Gregor’s metamorphosis and the subsequent loss of his job, the power in the story is shifted to the other members of his family, and Gregor becomes subordinate and inferior to them and has to rely on their care and ability to earn money. In particular, the power is transferred to Gregor’s father, who after getting a job and regaining control as the patriarch in the family becomes “Mr. Samsa” —a slight change in the way Kafka refers to him that speaks volumes about his newfound authority. Additionally, Mr. Samsa’s appearance changes from disheveled and unkempt suddenly being very groomed.
His previously overlooked height is also pointed out, furthering the idea that he now holds the power in the family. This change in Mr. Samsa’s appearance is described right before he begins to attack Gregor with fruit in a display of self-assurance brought on by working again. This act is what ultimately leads to Gregor’s death, and his final act of subordination towards his newly powerful family. Even Grete, who brings her brother food and is the one character who the reader thinks will stand by Gregor ultimately uses her power against him.
For example, he wanted to send his sister Grete to a conservatory to study violin—an endeavor that would undoubtedly cost a lot of money. When Gregor becomes a bug, overnight his life goes from being meaningful and fulfilling to having no purpose. Despite the fact that Gregor despises his job, it gives him a sense of authority and control in his otherwise dead-end life.
Following Gregor’s metamorphosis and the subsequent loss of his job, the power in the story is shifted to the other members of his family, and Gregor becomes subordinate and inferior to them and has to rely on their care and ability to earn money. In particular, the power is transferred to Gregor’s father, who after getting a job and regaining control as the patriarch in the family becomes “Mr. Samsa” —a slight change in the way Kafka refers to him that speaks volumes about his newfound authority. Additionally, Mr. Samsa’s appearance changes from disheveled and unkempt suddenly being very groomed.
His previously overlooked height is also pointed out, furthering the idea that he now holds the power in the family. This change in Mr. Samsa’s appearance is described right before he begins to attack Gregor with fruit in a display of self-assurance brought on by working again. This act is what ultimately leads to Gregor’s death, and his final act of subordination towards his newly powerful family. Even Grete, who brings her brother food and is the one character who the reader thinks will stand by Gregor ultimately uses her power against him.
- The themes of power and subordination are important for understanding this story.
- Gregor becomes subordinate and inferior to his family after his transformation occurs.
- Gregor's father becomes the powerful patriarch of the family once Gregor can no longer work.
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