I'm
aware that I don't really talk about short stories here at the
Arsenal. When I do it's usually an anthology or collection of short
stories, which you usually want to talk about as a whole rather than
individually. Or at least that's my inclination. In this particular
case I feel like The Metamorphosis
has actually given me something to talk about in a blog post beyond,
“It was good. I liked it.” (Which sadly often is what it boils
down with some of the stuff that I really like.) The point is after I
had finished The Metamorphosis I
had an idea strike me as a potential interpretation of this story. Of
course, I'm aware this is probably in no way an original
interpretation of the story but it gives me something to write about
so I'm going to write about it.
The
plot of The Metamorphosis
begins with Gregor Samsa, traveling salesman and provider for his
family, suddenly being transformed into a monstrous vermin. My
particular translation chose cockroach but the point is he's turned
into a giant, undesirable creature. The how or why of course is never
explained, instead the story focuses on the actions of Gregor and his
family in reaction to his sudden and inexplicable transformation. His
father, mother, and sister Grete are all required to get jobs to
provide for themselves, a burden previously shouldered by Gregor, as
well as deal with the embarrassment of their son. Their situation
continues to decay until Gregor's death, which the family receives
with great joy and hope for a fresh start.
What I found
interesting about this story was the fact that it could be used as a
metaphor for the struggle of an invalid in a family. For example,
rather than being transformed into a giant bug, perhaps Gregor was
paralyzed by an accident while traveling, or was struck down by a
debilitating and terminal disease such as cancer. Gregor is
immediately secluded in his room by his family, cut off not only from
the outside world but from his family as well. Gregor's father out
and out doesn't wish to have anything to do with Gregor and removes
himself entirely from Gregor's presence. Gregor's mother wishes to
see him and tend to him, but herself is restrained by her fear of his
condition. It is only Gregor's sister Grete who finds the courage to
face his condition, and even then only in an indirect manner rather
than head-on. (But more on that in a minute.) Considering that the
culture of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century tended to
hide or seclude anything that didn't conform to its standards is it
really that surprising that Gregor was hidden? This is the culture
that gave us disappointment rooms after all.
The Samsa family's
emotions regarding Gregor's condition is also an excellent example of
a family dealing with a member who has been suddenly and tragically
disabled. Gregor's mother initially remains in denial about his
condition, hopeful that everything will return to normal soon. (An
almost ludicrous prospect considering his transformation into a bug.)
Grete, however, responds to Gregor's needs with enthusiasm, making
sure he's well fed, cleaning his room, and trying to make his life
easier in general. As time goes on, Gregor's condition fails to
improve, and the family makes more and more sacrifices because of
Gregor's condition, Grete's opinion towards him continues to decline.
Eventually Grete is satisfied with only the most perfunctory cleaning
of Gregor's room and discarded odds and ends that there is no room
for elsewhere join him, including the trash. The family comes to
resent Gregor and his condition, the hardship that he's put them
through, and the conviction that they'd be better off without him.
When Gregor finally dies there is no grief from his family, only
relief.
Of
course we all hope that if we, like Gregor, were struck down by
random chance then our friends and loved ones would be far more
understanding and accommodating than Gregor's family. However, the
tragic truth of the matter is there are plenty of anecdotal examples
of people being fed up with the burden of disabled relatives, seeking
only a release from this inconsiderate imposition. The
Metamorphosis, much like one of
my all-time favorites The Twilight Zone,
paints a modern issue in a fantastic light, and challenges us to
think about what we would do in a similar situation. If you haven't
read this short story yet, I'd highly recommend you do. Of course, I
can't guarantee your interpretation will be the same as mine!
- Kalpar
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