Im Cool

Society demands conformity and the individual who resists this assault on his identity faces

alienation. The individual then searches for freedom from the restrictions of society. But society

responds by coming down more strongly on him and the vicious circle continues. In his

allegorical novel, The Metamorphosis, Kafka narrates this "predicament of modern man" [1]

with telling effect. The protagonist of the story was alienated from society even before his

metamorphosis, but his transformation to a "monstrous vermin" takes the alienation and search

for freedom on a different plane. The reader can identify with the theme more easily and clearly

because of the metamorphosis." The microcosmic Samsa family uses their son Gregor in order to

reap the benefits of his labor. Gregor goes to work everyday with the conviction that his family

needs him. "He had always believed that his father has not been able to save a penny from the

business…" (27). After Gregor's metamorphosis he overhears his family talking about their

improved financial situation and plans and instead of getting angry at the obvious betrayal he is

relieved that his family can survive if something were to happen to him. Gregor does not realize

that his family is able to live without his support and is merely using him so that they can live

alife of luxury. Even when he hears his family blame his transformation on himself, Gregor

naively agrees with them for being a burden on them. "If it were Gregor, he would have realized

long ago that it isn't possible for human beings to live with such a creature…" (52). Grete,

Gregor's sister, blames him for not understanding their situation. She claims that the family has

been very considerate and that Gregor has been taking advantage of their tolerance and patients

but it was now time for him to leave. The Samsa family's double