How do Gregor's feelings for his family change over the course of The Metamorphosis?

Interesting question! In the story “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka, Gregor’s transformation greatly impacts his feelings about his family.

Initially in the story, Gregor demonstrates the profound responsibilitythat he feels toward his family. His feelings seem to be largely based on his belief that his family is incapable of taking care of themselves. For example, he believes that they cannot work because his father is too old, his mother is too frail, and his...

Interesting question! In the story “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka, Gregor’s transformation greatly impacts his feelings about his family.

Initially in the story, Gregor demonstrates the profound responsibility that he feels toward his family. His feelings seem to be largely based on his belief that his family is incapable of taking care of themselves. For example, he believes that they cannot work because his father is too old, his mother is too frail, and his sister is too young. Thus, he works arduously at a job that he hates. As Gregor’s thoughts reveal:

“If I didn’t hold back for my parents’ sake, I would’ve quit ages ago. I would’ve gone to the boss and told him just what I think from the bottom of my heart. He would’ve fallen right off his desk!”

“...what a demanding job I’ve chosen! Day in, day out on the road. The stresses of trade are much greater than the work going on at head office, and, in addition to that, I have to deal with the problems of traveling, the worries about train connections, irregular bad food, temporary and constantly changing human relationships which never come from the heart. To hell with it all!”

As the story progresses, Gregor realizes that he can no longer provide for his family and now feels as though he is a burden to them. He relies on his family to clean his room, move furniture, and even to bring him food for each meal. Not only this, but he realizes that his new form scares his family and he feels responsible for protecting them from himself.

Finally, the story draws to a conclusion when Gregor realizes how much of a burden he has become to his family.

“But Gregor did not have any notion of wishing to create problems for anyone and certainly not for his sister.”

Thus, Gregor goes to his room and quietly passes away. After this event, his family grieves their loss; however, they also experience more freedom and become more self-sufficient.

In conclusion, Gregor’s transformation caused his feelings to change about his family. Although he first feels responsible for their well-being, he soon sees himself as a burden to his family. As a result, their roles have changed and he perceives that transition.