Notes from Transcript of Lecture on Kafka's *The Metamorphosis*

Essay Question for the Last Paper

• Question: "Why is it necessary for Gregor and Meursault to be condemned and extirpated from society?"

• Extirpated means ripped out or gotten rid of.

• Use any theoretical perspective or author covered during the semester to form a thesis.

• The focus is on social and political critique of the protagonists.

Discussion Outline

• First Hour: Review the story of The Metamorphosis.

  • Discuss the plot and the author's message.

• Second Hour (after break): Detailed analysis.

  • Deconstruct the symbols and images used by Kafka.

Initial Impressions of The Metamorphosis

• The story begins with Gregor waking up as an insect (referenced as perhaps an ant).

• Metamorphosis extends beyond Gregor to the family's behavior and attitude.

  • Initially, the family appreciated Gregor as the breadwinner.

  • After his transformation, they ostracized him.

  • They ultimately treated him without respect, even after death.

• The story is disturbing and can be seen as a metaphor for disabled people.

  • Sudden and unexpected change leads to communication breakdown.

  • There is a negative assessment of the changed individual.

  • The individual is seen as unable to communicate in normal human patterns.

  • Gregor is gradually dehumanized, referred to as "it".

• The language of alienation is evident.

  • The story raises the question of how complicit individuals are in their own dehumanization.

  • Sometimes, there is hope that Gregor will return to normal, but it diminishes.

• Gregor never ceases to identify as human, but others do not see him that way.

  • This disconnect highlights the tragedy of the story.

  • Kafka subtly indicates a physical transformation while retaining Gregor's inner humanity.

  • Insight from user: "In his head, he never ceases to be gregor."

Translation Significance

• The original German word used in the text translates to "vermin".

• In German, the "v" is pronounced like an "f", so the word sounds like "furmin".

• Vermin is a racial or ethnic slur used to describe someone outside the norm of humanity.

• Kafka's use of this term communicates more than just a physical change; it also addresses otherness.

• Historical context: Prague, Kafka's setting, was a crossroads and part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

• The term "vermin" was typically applied to the Jewish population and other marginalized groups.

Gregor's Situation

• Gregor wakes up late and not feeling himself.

• He is a traveling salesman, a job he dislikes.

• He is responsible to catch the 5:00 AM train, but misses it.

• His manager is notified quickly because a runner watches to make sure he makes his train.

• The family relies on Gregor financially.

• The father does not work, the mother does not work, and they have a maid.

Cast of Characters

• Gregor missed work for the first time in five or six years.

• Is Gregor himself this morning, or who is he? (Referring to his identity.)

• The Sister: Greta is an interesting character, undergoing her own metamorphosis.

Parents' Attitude Towards Gregor

• The mother cares and tries to defend Gregor.

• The father is hostile and demanding.

• The mother tries to keep the artifacts that remind Gregor of him as a human being.

Key Changes in the Story

• Gregor is the family's meal ticket (proletariat).

• Early on, they speak to Gregor through the door.

• His voice changes, and they are unsure what is going on.

• Once the door opens, all bets are off.

What Do They See?

• When they ultimately see him, is it still Gregor anymore to them?

• Who else would it be?

• What has actually changed?

• Is this a story about identity?

• Are you the person you are in your head, or the person that people see?

• Do people see you or their expectations?

• If you are unable to provide, what changes?

Father's Transformation

• The father stopped working because Gregor supported the family.

• The father goes back to work once Gregor becomes an insect.

• One reaction of his father's when the mom saw Gregor and was afraid was "I knew he would turn into something else."

• The father enjoys regaining power as Gregor weakens.

• There is a sleep morality attitude from the father.

• A family dynamic.

• The father becomes patriarchal again.

Mother's Transformation

• Is it more subtle or more extreme?

• At what point does she no longer love him anymore and sees a hideous or monstrous burnout?

• Who holds out the longest (referring to who continues to see humanity in Gregor)?

Loss of Humanity

• Humanity is not obvious to family, manager, or lodgers.

• Lodgers catch an image of Gregor and are appalled.

• What lures Gregor out of the shadows?

• His violin (Music).

• To be moved by violin is so utterly human. Gregor's humanity is still present.

• Kafka's intent was to illustrate that Gregor was still human despite everything.

• His younger sister retains her initial conception of him the longest.

• With all the changes, despite all the changes, she continues to see him as Gregor.

Key Shift in Greta's Perspective

• "My dear Peckles," said his sister, and by way of an introduction, pounded her hand on the table. "Things can't go on like this. Maybe you don't realize it, but I do. I won't pronounce the name of my brother in front of this monster. And so so all I say is we have to get rid of it. We've done everything humanly possible to take care of it and to put up with it. I don't think anyone can blame us in the least."

• Greta is concerned with judgment.

• She makes a very clear distinction. It's a monster.

• Once Greta makes that move, there appears to be no obstacles for seeing that is not Gregor anymore.

• Violence becomes normalized! It helps solve the problem.

• That goes into contextualizing the issue a little bit. The family's situation becomes a microcosm for the world.

Context of Kafka's Writing

• Kafka was writing in the early part of the 20th century in Prague, a city at the crossroads of Europe.

• Prague was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, not a typical nation-state.

• Prague had a cosmopolitan vibe with the strange segregation of culture, the Jewish Ghetto, etc.

Societal Crisis

• Crisis is introduced at the very beginning of the novella.

• If Greta miserably went to work as Gregory had before, there would be no crisis.

• The crisis inside of Gregor is suppressed by his work.

Identity

• Is identity that constructed?

• It seems that Gregor ceases to be Gregor in a flash, in a heartbeat, and almost by mistake.

• This leads into a trolley train ride.

Metamorphosis

• There are clear metamorphosis happening.

• Greta's attractiveness is highlighted into the conversation.

• Is this a tragedy or a cautionary tale?

Kafka's Perspective

• If you lose value, you become something else.

• If you are not economically viable and can't produce money for the family, you are a userless member of society.

• Best to get rid of the userless member of society.

• His family goes back to work and are able to start to reorganize themselves.

• Society needs the undesirable, so it can be, "At least we're not that."

• You need the ugly to define you as beautiful.

Discussion on Greta's Role

• Greta didn't just see Gregor is as a means towards wealth reduction.

• Is there power to keep your mind clear of those things, or is there power to realize this is something you can't have that you can find you power somewhere else?

• How is one considered powerful?

Enlightenment Ideals

• Can you ever be seen for who your essentially are - who you truly are?

• Right now we have family members. So will think that they know this person know their whole life know how much you actually know you?

• Well, that's something that happened to somebody's so this is a reality. So even the same idea right for or something as well on as what is

  • if indeed, right? Easy and what you're really well over self right something an

Greta's Evolution

• Greta speaking to --> Greta speaking for --> Greta speaking about (Gregor).

Absurdity of the Situation

• Kafka's style is very absurd. I was like it was like getting on an amusement but you always felt that it seemed to be in one aspect of you. Maybe something you were working hard on because he was to be but there was almost a force that was uncontrollably like I don't know that that and if you is is of that power that eats it that it's is merely the Right? Is it the fact that I was

  • like
    The person to the that the in of in this much of to of of or do you of you is more You're just the

• you know and with from for about to what do that you what he as be
  so, a on these the a do for the So that
  was well, they kind that the's know in And this so
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  well know you those in the as of

Course grades are currently being calculated and reviewed to ensure an accurate assessment of student performance. It is essential that all students ensure their submitted work reflects their best efforts.

Final papers must be submitted punctually to meet course deadlines. Late submissions may result in penalties as outlined in the syllabus.

Quiz Information

There is no quiz today. Please utilize this time to review past material or engage in group study sessions.

The next quiz is scheduled for Wednesday, focusing on the themes and motifs discussed in previous readings. Prepare by reviewing the lecture notes and assigned readings leading up to this quiz.

Freud Paper

The half-month Freud paper is due on Wednesday. Ensure you engage critically with Freud’s theories and demonstrate how they relate to the themes discussed in class. Primary texts and relevant secondary literature should be incorporated to support your arguments.

Next Reading Assignment: The Stranger

A new reading assignment is coming up - a short novel titled The Stranger by Albert Camus. This existentialist work is rich with philosophical themes that align with our syllabus.

Suggestions for approaching The Stranger:

• Read the first chapter thoroughly and take notes on the main character’s demeanor and perspective.

• Formulate an opinion about the main character, Meursault, reflecting on his actions and thoughts throughout the chapter.

• Finish the book and revisit your initial impressions to see if your perspective has changed by the end. This comparative analysis could be beneficial in class discussions.

• Personal anecdote: This approach was suggested to me during senior year of high school (1991), and I found it profoundly impactful.

Essay Question for the Last Paper

The essay question is: "Why is it necessary for Gregor and Arnaud to be condemned and extirpated from society?"

• Note that "extirpated" means ripped out or gotten rid of.

• Use any theoretical perspective or author covered during the semester to form a compelling thesis statement. The focus of your essay should be on the social and political critique of the protagonists and their representation within their respective societies.

Discussion Outline

First Hour:

• Review the story of The Metamorphosis.

• Discuss the plot intricately, exploring the author's message regarding isolation, identity, and societal expectations.

Second Hour (after break):

• Engage in a detailed analysis.

• Deconstruct the symbols and images that Kafka employs, exploring their significance in relation to the text's broader themes.

Initial Impressions of The Metamorphosis

The story commences with Gregor Samsa waking up to find he has transformed into an insect, which raises immediate questions about the nature of identity and humanity.

• This metamorphosis extends beyond Gregor; it profoundly alters the family's dynamics and their treatment of him.

• Initially, Gregor is viewed positively as the family's breadwinner, but following his transformation, they begin to ostracize him, indicating a chilling shift in familial bonds and respect.

• The narrative serves as a disturbing metaphor for the experiences of disabled individuals and raises questions about acceptance and alienation in society. The sudden and unexpected change leads to a breakdown in communication and relationships within the family.

• The negative assessments of Gregor's new form reveal societal fears of the 'other.'

• As he is gradually dehumanized, referred to simply as "it," the language of alienation becomes increasingly apparent, prompting the reader to consider the extent of individual complicity in one’s dehumanization.

• There remains a faint hope that Gregor might revert to normal, but this hope gradually diminishes. Despite his physical transformation, Gregor retains his human identity internally, creating a tragic disconnect that permeates the narrative.

• Kafka subtly illustrates a physical transformation while emphasizing Gregor's enduring inner humanity, and as the protagonist grapples with this, he is starkly aware of the family's changing perceptions.

Translation Significance

The original German term used in the text translates to "vermin," a word laden with racial and cultural connotations that historically marginalized certain groups.

• Notably, the letter "v" is pronounced like an "f" in German, resulting in a sound that evokes despair and alienation, as the term "vermin" often describes those perceived as outside the normal boundaries of humanity.

• Kafka’s deliberate choice of language serves to critique concepts of otherness, reinforcing the novel’s themes in the context of Prague—an epicenter of cultural intersection during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

• The term "vermin" in historical contexts was often applied to the Jewish population and others seen as outsiders, providing further layers to the narrative's exploration of societal alienation.

Gregor's Situation

Gregor Samsa wakes up late and not feeling himself, contemporary themes of alienation and identity crisis are readily apparent.

• As a traveling salesman—a role he despises—Gregor is bound by the pressures of survival and economic obligation. This profession serves both as his primary tether to his family and as a source of profound dissatisfaction.

• His responsibility is to catch the 5:00 AM train, but failing to do so triggers a rapid series of events that further emphasize the family's dependence on him.

• They are deeply reliant on Gregor for financial stability; while the father and mother do not work, the burden falls entirely on him, highlighting the oppressive structures of family and society.

Cast of Characters

• Gregor missed work for the first time in five or six years, raising profound questions regarding his identity and its connection to his role in the family.

• The sister, Greta, stands out as an intriguing character, demonstrating her own transformation as the story progresses, reflecting the eroding family dynamics surrounding Gregor.

Parents' Attitude Towards Gregor

The mother maintains a degree of care and attempts to defend Gregor’s identity, showcasing her struggle and denial regarding his transformation.

• Conversely, the father exhibits hostility and demanding behavior, aggressively reacting to Gregor’s state, which signifies shifting power dynamics within the household.

• The mother tries to preserve artifacts that remind Gregor of his human identity, reflecting her internal conflict between love and rejection as circumstances deteriorate.

Key Changes in the Story

Initially, Gregor is perceived as the family's meal ticket, representing the proletariat struggle within capitalistic society.

• Early in the narrative, his family communicates with him through the door, an interaction that symbolizes both literal and metaphorical barriers.

• As Gregor's voice changes and they become increasingly estranged, the eventual opening of the door marks a definitive turning point in their relationship.

What Do They See?

Upon seeing him, the family's reaction raises existential questions: Is he still Gregor to them, and what has truly changed?

• This moment prompts deeper reflections about identity, perception, and expectations.

• Questions arise about how others perceive an individual versus one’s internal self-concept, and about societal value systems that dictate human worth.

Father's Transformation

The father's return to work signifies a reclaiming of his patriarchal authority once Gregor's productivity is called into question.

• His initial denial of Gregor’s transformation, as reflected in his statement, "I knew he would turn into something else," underscores his discomfort with loss of control.

• The power dynamics shift dramatically as the father revels in regaining authority amidst Gregor’s decline, illustrating societal norms that favor productivity over humanity.

Mother's Transformation

The transformation of the mother is more subtle yet equally destructive, serving as a compelling exploration of maternal instincts versus societal expectations.

• At what point does her affection wane, and does she begin to see Gregor as a monstrous burden?

• The question of which parent holds out the longest in recognizing his humanity raises significant points for discussion.

Loss of Humanity

Gregor’s humanity is dismissed by the family, manager, and lodgers alike, starkly illustrating societal rejection of those who are perceived as burdensome.

• The lodgers catch a glimpse of Gregor and react in horror, revealing society's intolerance to deviance.

• What compels Gregor to venture out of his isolated space? His deep love for music, embodied in the violin, serves as a poignant reminder of his enduring humanity, suggesting that despite the dehumanization imposed upon him, there remains something inherently human embedded within.

• Kafka’s overarching intent appears clear: Gregor remains a human being beneath his outward transformation, with only a few, including his sister, recognizing this truth.

Key Shift in Greta's Perspective

Greta’s transformation from caregiver to the voice of resolute rejection is pivotal within the narrative.

• Her statement, “I won’t pronounce the name of my brother in front of this monster,” marks a critical fracture in familial bonds and reflects broader societal judgments.

• Once she perceives Gregor solely as a monster, the normalization of violence against him becomes apparent, mirroring societal tendencies to expel those who are different at the expense of familial love.

Context of Kafka's Writing

Kafka authored this novel in the early 20th century, amid a culturally and politically tumultuous Prague, offering rich context for his exploration of identity and societal failure.

• Prague’s cosmopolitan environment juxtaposed against the realities of segregation, particularly of its Jewish population, deepens our understanding of Kafka’s critique of societal structures.

Societal Crisis

The notion of crisis is embedded from the novella's inception.

• Contemplate the implications had Greta been forced to endure the same oppressive work conditions as Gregor, indicating that the absence of crisis is contingent upon individual roles within society.

Identity

The construction of identity is questioned through Gregor’s rapid loss of self, emphasizing the volatility of identity under societal pressures.

• His metamorphosis happens almost instantaneously, prompting reflections on the precarious nature of existence and self-perception.

Metamorphosis

Kafka’s narrative illustrates not only Gregor’s metamorphosis but also the transformations of those around him.

• Greta’s changing perceptions of Gregor and what his altered state signifies reflects broader themes of societal pressures and expectations.

Kafka's Perspective

If a person's value becomes diminished, they are seen as less human, echoing societal tendencies towards individuals who cannot fulfill assumed roles.

• The family’s eventual reassessment of their obligations toward Gregor underscores the severity of societal neglect towards those deemed "useless" while simultaneously revealing the insecurities within their own societal roles.

• Society must perpetuate a hierarchy, utilizing the marginalized to maintain its own identity and self-worth.

Discussion on Greta's Role

Greta’s understanding of Gregor evolves, showcasing her struggle between familial obligation and the harsh realities of her own life.

• Is true power found in empathy and care, or in the hard decisions forced by circumstance? How does society define power, and what implications does this have for familial relationships?

Enlightenment Ideals

The narrative raises questions of whether individuals can ever truly be seen for who they are in essence. It challenges the reader to consider the authenticity of familial perceptions and societal expectations.

Essay Question for the Last Paper
Question: "Why is it necessary for Gregor and Meursault to be condemned and extirpated from society?"
Extirpated means ripped out or gotten rid of.
Use any theoretical perspective or author covered during the semester to form a thesis. The focus is on social and political critique of the protagonists.

Discussion Outline

1. First Hour: Review the story of The Metamorphosis. Discuss the intricacies of the plot and the author's critique of societal norms regarding isolation, identity, and the expectations placed upon individuals, particularly in a capitalist society.

2. Second Hour (after break): Detailed analysis. Deconstruct and analyze the symbols and images used by Kafka. Explore their significance in relation to the broader themes of identity, alienation, and societal expectations.

Initial Impressions of The Metamorphosis

The narrative begins with Gregor Samsa waking up to discover his transformation into an insect, a moment that heralds critical reflections on identity and humanity. This metamorphosis not only serves as a physical transformation but catalyzes profound shifts in family dynamics and societal interactions.

• Initially, Gregor is viewed positively by his family as the breadwinner; however, his transformation leads to increased alienation and ostracization, illustrating how rapidly familial love can dissipate when confronted with deviance from social norms.

• The narrative functions as a disturbing metaphor for the experiences of disabled individuals, demonstrating societal inacceptance and the chilling impacts of sudden change on interpersonal relationships. Kafka critiques the social stigma attached to those unable to conform to societal expectations.

• The breakdown of communication and the gradual dehumanization of Gregor, who is referred to as "it" rather than by name, signifies the stark realities of alienation and self-identity. Readers must wrestle with the notions of complicity in their own dehumanization, raising existential questions.

Translation Significance

• The original German word for "vermin" conveys deep-seated racial and cultural connotations that echo society’s marginalization of the 'other.' Kafka’s choice of language critiques the very foundations of how people perceive and categorize each other based on societal standards.

• The phonetic resonance of the term in German exacerbates the sense of despair and alienation associated with Gregor's transformation—the use of "vermin" typically carries derogatory implications, suggesting that the Jews and other marginalized groups were often labeled as such by dominant societal narratives within Kafka's historical context.

Gregor's Situation

• Gregor’s existence as a traveling salesman surfaces the oppressive pressures of survival. Although he financially supports his family, he detests his job and feels trapped within societal expectations, highlighting his internal conflicts with duty, identity, and satisfaction.

• Missing the 5:00 AM train symbolizes a rapid decline into devastation that underscores his family’s dependence on him and reflects broader societal structures that pervade capitalist obligation and exploitation.

• The family's reliance on Gregor draws attention to themes of economic survival and the identities shaped by labor; without him, they fall apart, demonstrating the fragility of familial bonds based on economic dependence.

Cast of Characters

• Gregor’s character arc is pivotal; he has missed work for the first time in five to six years, propelling questions regarding his identity. As Gregor transforms, the sister, Greta, emerges as a profound character, symbolizing shifts in family perceptions as she undergoes her metamorphosis throughout the novella.

Parents' Attitude Towards Gregor

• The mother embodies a complex blend of maternal care and denial. She attempts to defend Gregor, but her support wanes, illuminating the conflict between nurturing instincts and societal expectations of normalcy.

• The father’s aggressive hostility sharply contrasts his wife’s protective instincts, leading to a reassertion of patriarchal authority linked to productivity and familial contribution, revealing deteriorating family dynamics amid economic strain.

Key Changes in the Story

• In the early stages, Gregor is viewed as the family's economic sustainer. However, the moment the door opens, exposing him to their gaze, catalyzes a metamorphosis of perspective; he become an object of horror, prompting questions about identity.

• The physical manifestation of Gregor’s transformation highlights a deeper existential inquiry: what does it mean to be human, and how does perception shape identity?

Father’s Transformation

• The father's transition back to work emphasizes the reclaiming of his patriarchal status once Gregor is deemed worthless. His comment on Gregor's transformation reveals a reluctance to confront the loss of control over familial and economic stability.

• The father revels in his regained power, paralleling societal tendencies to devaluate anyone who cannot contribute economically, underscoring Kafka's critique of society’s emphasis on utility over humanity.

Mother's Transformation

• The mother’s transformation is fraught with internal conflict as her affection diminishes, questioning when maternal love gives way to repulsion. This gradual deterioration serves as a potent reflection of societal rejection often felt by those burdened with societal ‘failures.’

• The dynamics of attachment are complex, and the story asks whether maternal love can survive under such constraints.

Loss of Humanity

• The family's rejection of Gregor’s humanity resonates deeply; their perception of him as a burden diminishes their ethical duty to love and care. The disillusionment of Gregor’s character underlines societal prejudices against those who deviate from expected norms.

• The reaction of the lodgers upon seeing Gregor illustrates a wider societal intolerance toward those perceived as different or burdensome.

• Music emerges as a vital connection to humanity; Gregor’s love for the violin symbolizes the remnants of his human essence, suggesting that despite external transformations, pure humanity cannot be wholly eradicated.

Key Shift in Greta's Perspective

• A pivotal moment occurs when Greta decides to sever the familial bond, labeling Gregor as a mere monster. This transformation reflects societal judgments that can lead to desensitization and acceptance of violence against the 'other.'

• Greta’s perspective signifies a broader commentary on societal norms where familial ties can be sacrificed to uphold societal decorum, rendering the grotesque normalized in a bid for survival.

Context of Kafka's Writing

• Kafka’s work emerges from a culturally and politically tumultuous Prague, rich in narratives of identity and societal failure. The city has a unique history as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, surrounded by cultural interaction and segregation, amplifying the work’s exploration of alienation, identity, and marginalization.

Societal Crisis

• The underlying crisis of Gregor is deeply embedded in the story's inception. Had Greta endured similar strife as Gregor, the absence of crisis suggests that societal roles and identities are perilously linked to individual productivity and societal value.

Identity

• Identity emerges as a construction significantly influenced by societal expectations; Gregor's rapid metamorphosis highlights fragile self-conceptions subject to external validation. The narrative raises essential existential inquiries regarding how identity is perceived versus how it is constructed.

Metamorphosis

• Kafka illustrates multiple metamorphoses extending beyond Gregor; the transformations of those around him reveal broader societal expectations and pressures imposed upon individuals, highlighting themes of acceptance and rejection.

Kafka's Perspective

• The overarching narrative critique emphasizes that those whose societal value diminishes become dehumanized and expendable. The family's gradual renegotiation of obligations toward Gregor underscores societal neglect towards those deemed useless and reveals insecurities fostered by social constructs of productivity.

• Society requires a hierarchy, exemplifying how marginalized individuals maintain a reflection of societal ideals, forcing a normative identity orthodox to conformity.

Discussion on Greta's Role

• Greta’s evolution highlights an internal struggle between familial loyalty and the harsh realities of societal expectations. How one perceives power—whether through empathy or necessity—forces evaluation of familial roles within broader societal constructs.

Enlightenment Ideals

• Ultimately, the narrative prompts critical questions regarding the authenticity of interpersonal relationships. Can one ever truly be seen as they are amidst societal pressures, or will familial perceptions forever be clouded by external expectations? Kafka compels readers to recognize these complexities, situating the text within a larger discourse on human existence.