The Metomorphisis Essay, Research Paper

Gregor was the most unselfish person in

The Metamorphosis. This characteristic shows with his

dedication to his work. He was the only family member with

a job, believing he was the only one capable of it. Sacrificing

his social life for his work, he had no friends at work, and

never went out at night. His only hobby was fretwork, sitting

alone in his room. The only person he was ever intimate with

was his sister Grete. His devotion to his work was

remarkable. In all of the five years he had worked for his

father’s creditor, he had never once been absent. Always

ready to go out on his rounds as early as possible, he never

took advantage of time for a break. By the time he got back,

the other employees were still eating breakfast. Under the

belief that he was the sole provider for the family, Gregor

took up a job with his father’s creditor, before even

consulting his family. They, at the time, were of course

impressed. The flat they were living in was chosen by

Gregor. Making enough money, he hired a cook and

servant. He was even thinking of sending Grete to the

conservatorium to further enhance what he believed to be

musical talents. Even after his metamorphosis, he never

asked for much. Showing his concern for others’ wellbeing,

he hid under the couch so as not to disgust anyone by his

sight. Although they brought him food everyday, he barely

ate any of it. He even wished he were not such a burden on

the family, and that he could have transformed back into his

old self. All of the actions mentioned above displayed

Gregor’s unselfishness. After his metamorphosis, nobody

indicated they were grateful for what he had done. After his

first absence, the chief clerk himself appeared at Gregor’s

house to see what was the matter. When Gregor did not

open his door, the chief clerk accused him of stealing the

company’s funds, and degraded him in front of his parents as

being insubordinate. After the transformation, Gregor’s

father gave little or no love or support. Instead, he had hurt

Gregor many times while ushering Gregor back into the

room. Grete and her mother do, for some time, show a little

support. After having Gregor around for a while however

Grete asserted that they should somehow get rid of him. At

this point, Gregor realized that his family no longer loves him,

and gave up on life. Although Gregor did aid his family in a

critical time of need, they hardly acknowledged this fact after

his transformation. They never even tried to understand him.

For the past five years, he provided for his family, and when

he needed them, they did not care. After his metamorphosis,

they all got jobs, something Gregor thought they were

incapable of. After his death, they moved out of the flat,

which was too expensive for them, leaving all of their

memories, starting anew without him.