The Powerful Opening of Kafka

8/7/2019 The Powerful Opening of Kafka

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The Powerful Opening of Kafka's Metamorphosis

'When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found

himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.' Franz Kafka opens hisnovella Metamorphosis (also The Transformation and The Transfiguration)

with the above phrase, a simple statement of fact. He startles the reader with

this bold first sentence. It draws the reader directly to the question of why?

Why is Gregor Samsa a monstrous vermin. The inclusion that Samsa has had

'unsettling dreams' could indicate that he was subconsciously aware of his

metamorphosis taking place. It also tells us that his mind is not at rest. The

words 'monstrous vermin' in the publication translated by Stanley Corngold

differ from the description in the original German. The German translates

directly to 'horrific bug' . 'Monstrous vermin' still leaves the reader space to

imagine a number of different vermin that Samsa could have become, but the

use of 'horrific bug' narrows this down somewhat. Kafka's opening sentence

shows the path that Samsa's feelings follow, to the point, with little hope.

F. Kafka goes on in the remainder of the first paragraph to describe Samsa's

physical appearance. His back, described as 'as hard as an armor plate' gives an

impression that Samsa has gained more protection from life, from who or

whatever changed his physical form. The cover, as it is said that it is about to

fall off of his domed brown belly, can be likened to society in Metamorphosis.

The cover (nor society) could not fulfill its purpose, and clings to Samsa. An

important image is that of Samsa's 'many legs... ...waving helplessly before his

eyes.' This gives the reader an impression of Samsa's inability to control the

situation.

Gregor Samsa's first thought is to ask himself what has happened to him.

Obviously from this one can assume that Samsa was not expecting his

metamorphosis and is indeed quite surprised by the whole event. His instant



deduction that it was no dream implies that Samsa has control of his mind, and

a certain grasp of the reality of his new situation. Kafka describes Samsa's

room as 'a regular human room' allowing the r eader the necessary

understanding that it is just Samsa that has changed, not the world around

him. The next important connection is the statement that Samsa is a travelingsalesman and his picture of a woman wearing fur. It has been implied that

'traveling salesman' is not societies idea of a well-regarded occupation, this is

linked to the idea that Samsa can only have a woman in a picture, and even

then the glass in the frame is symbolic of the way he is held back from women,

and especially sex (It is said that in this case, as well in many other Kafka

novels, the fur is symbolic of the female genitals).

The overcast weather outside Gregor Samsa's window is display of irony, for

the metamorphosis will have a negative effect on Samsa's life, and an ov ercast

sky is one screaming with negativity, from its dull grey colour to it high chance

of miserable rain. The second of Samsa's senses comes into play now (the first

being his sight of himself) as he hears the raindrops hitting the metal window

ledge. This cold tinny sound 'completely depresses him' as though he was not

'completely depressed' reflecting on his earlier metamorphosis.

'"How about getting back to sleep for a few minutes and forgetting all this

nonsense,"' This exclamation by Samsa is telling the reader that Samsa really

doesn't want to deal with his situation, and that he sees it as almost trivial

'nonsense'. Once more Samsa's helplessness is displayed through his inability

to move onto his side to sleep. This need to be on his side in turn highlights his

inability to adapt to his surroundings and change to suit his needs. He does,

however, try. His will is amazing, yet he is embarrassed or sickened by his

'squirming legs'. Samsa is finally showing that he is ashamed of his new form.

Samsa stops his rocking efforts when a new sensation of pain captures him. An

indication that he is weary of his physical form, and careful, at this point, not to

damage it.



'"Oh God" he thought, "what a grueling job I've picked!" In the opening

sentence of the fourth paragraph, Samsa has instantly shown that he hasaccepted his metamorphosis. He now tasks himself with getting to work. In

using a G in 'God' instead of a g Samsa shows his faith in religion, although he

is resorting to blasphemy. In saying stating that it is a job that he has picked,

Samsa gives the reader than impression that he has been in control of his life

to a large extent. Later, however, it becomes apparent that this is not the case.

Samsa goes on to describe his dislike of his occupation. It is evident when

Samsa feels a slight itching up on the top of his belly that he has agitated

himself, his job can be compared to the itch; an itch is agitating and creates a

need to scratch, his job is agitating and creates a need for him to rel ieve

himself of the stresses thrust upon him. Also, neither would Samsa

intentionally want to adopt.

As the novella unfolds, Gregor Samsa finds himself still in bed, at one point

saying that 'Human beings need their sleep'. It is quite ironic that he thinks this

now, when he is no longer physically a human being. He highlights the lows of

his occupation for a while more, but shows great need to show his loyalty to

the firm. The reader is told why when they find out that Samsa works primarily

to pay off the debt of his father. Gradually the reader is allowed to believe

more that Samsa did not fit society's mold for an average person. This

becomes even more apparent when, to end the beginning of the novella, it is

drawn to the readers attention that Samsa still lives with his parents and sister,

in his parents apartment. The novella continues with their continuing

interactions.

The opening six paragraphs of The Metamorphosis show a lot about Gregor

Samsa's character. He is portrayed as a relatively casual man/bug that still likes



to do well at work. A person, who knows his priorities, yet has no way of

setting them himself. A man held away from relationships by his inability to

conform to society. Most importantly, Samsa accepts his negative

transformation, but does not yet speculate that things will get a lot worse.

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The Powerful Opening of Kafka