Franz Kafka's allegoric novel, The Metamorphosis depicts symbolism. The characters and objects in the novel along with the actions of Gregor Samsa exemplify symbolism.
Metamorphosis is defined as a profound change in ones appearance, character, and/ or abilities. In The Metamorphosis Gregor Samsa metamorphoses into a "monstrous vermin". The Metamorphosis symbolizes the change occurring in society. At the time the novel was written a revolution in technology was beginning. Kafka realized that with thing change in technology, a change in society would follow. Kafka depicts his prediction of men working all day, families struggling, conformity and fear of individuality in The Metamorphosis. in this way, The Metamorphosis symbolizes the profound change of society.
Kafka also uses Gregor's room, Gregor's work, the apple, and Gregor's window as symbols to emphasize the metamorphosing of society. Gregor's bedroom symbolizes isolation. This isolation separates individuality from conformity, and because Gregor Samsa looks different he is isolated. Gregor's work represents a society in which families are separate for the means of economic stability. Gregor leaves his family every day to work until his metamorphosis, and now in order to maintain economic stability his ageing father, mother, and young sister must work. The window in Gregor Samsa's room represents freedom, he will never gain. This possible freedom from isolation into a world of conformity depresses Gregor to a point of starvation. The apple thrown at Gregor by his father symbolizes death. In the bible, Eve are the forbidden fruit, the apple, ans mankind was punished by taking away immortality; life. Gregor's father was attempting to take away Gregor's life. These four symbols emphasize Kafka' meaning.
Kafka intended The Metamorphosis to be a warning to the future. The warning was that society is built around conformity ans those who are true individuals are isolated from the world. He predicts a society where the people work for the elite for economic stability. Those who refuse or can not work for these elite are isolated and labeled "poor" in today's society. The Metamorphosis warns against society.
Gregor dies because he does not conform and is isolated from society. Kafka's message: conform or die.
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