How is Gregor's metamorphosis similar to Grete's, and how does it differ?
PremiumHow is Gregor's metamorphosis similar to Grete's, and how does it differ? [NU: 2017, 22] ★★★
Franz Kafka’s (1883–1924) “The Metamorphosis” (1915) shows two changes. Gregor Samsa changes into a vermin in his room. Sister Grete changes into a strong young woman. Both pass through metamorphosis, but one ends in death and the other in growth.
Gregor’s Physical Change and Grete’s Growth: Gregor’s metamorphosis is sudden and physical. Kafka says,
He becomes weak, wounded by the apple, and slowly dies. Grete’s change is different. She becomes stronger. She works outside as a saleswoman. She learns shorthand and French and studies music. Kafka says,“One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin.”
Similarity in Suffering: Both“His sister, who had taken a sales job, learned shorthand and French.”