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His Worry about Job and Family Duty: Even after his insect body, Gregor thinks of the train, his boss, and the Chief Clerk. He says,
“Oh, God… what a strenuous career it is that I’ve chosen!”
He worries that he cannot pay the debts of his parents. He thinks of his mother and father’s future. He wants to work for Sister Grete. This strong duty makes him tragic. A man who cares for his family cannot save himself. Readers feel both respect and sadness.
His Strange Voice and Separation from Family: Gregor answers when his mother calls him. Kafka says,
“Gregor was shocked when he heard his own voice.”
His voice no longer sounds human. His mother does not understand him. His father grows impatient. His sister Grete, who loves him, also becomes afraid. Gregor becomes separated inside his own house. His voice shows his lost human link. This lonely condition makes him a tragic figure. Readers feel deep sorrow here.
The Chief Clerk and Father’s Cruelty: When the Chief Clerk visits the Samsa house, Gregor wants to show he is still loyal. He thinks he is still fit for his job. He says,
“I’ll open up immediately, just a moment. I’m slightly unwell.”
But he cannot open the door quickly. When he comes out, his mother faints. Grete cries. The Chief Clerk runs down the stairs. His father takes the Clerk’s stick and pushes Gregor back to his room. He even bleeds on the door. This scene shows family fear and rejection. Gregor becomes a tragic victim of cruelty in his own home.
His Silent Sacrifice and Death: Grete brings him food to eat on an old newspaper. Kafka says,
“She brought him a whole selection of things, all spread out on an old newspaper.”
Gregor eats quietly and hides under the couch. He loves his sister and dreams of her music. But slowly, the family grows tired of him. Grete finally says they must get rid of him. She says,
“We have to try and get rid of it.”
Gregor dies alone in his room. His death is silent and full of sacrifice. This is the final, tragic end of a man who gave everything to his family. This end makes him one of the most tragic figures in literature.
Gregor Samsa is surely a tragic character in “The Metamorphosis”. His body changes into a vermin. His duty becomes his suffering. His voice makes him lonely. His family rejects him. His death comes as a silent sacrifice. His story takes place in his small room, with his mother, father, sister Grete, and the Chief Clerk. His tragedy touches every reader’s heart.
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