The Stress On Money In The Met :: essays research papers

The Stress on Money in The MetamorphosisIn The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the stress of, or the importance of bullion seems to be one of the major themes. Kafka shows how the person who makes the money is the person who gets the respect. If you arent contributing to the income of the family, what good are you?The novella starts off with Gregor being transformed into a bug. As he is lying on his bed, he thinks about his job how he hasnt missed a day since he started to work there he solely has this job because his parents are in debt and if he didnt get up The boss would be sure to come with the health-insurance doctor, blame his parents for their lazy son, and cut off either excuses by quoting the health-insurance doctor(5). Gregor fears losing his job because his parents are in debt, and even though he hates his job, it is the sense of being the leading bread maker for the family, which demands some respect. Gregor supports his family by having this job, so the family bankrup ts Gregor respect in return. However, once the family learns that Gregor has turned into a bug, they stop treating him with respect, and instead, imprison him in his room. What use do they have for him now he no lengthy makes any money. His parents refuse to look at him or even to try to communicate with him. Instead of giving Gregor the respect he deserves out of love for their son, his parents give him respect because he gives them money. Now that he doesnt earn money, they lose all respect.Molnar 2Although in the beginning Gregor receives respect, the daughter, Grete, receives none. Grete doesnt make any money, so the parents attention is focus on Gregor. However, when Gregor loses his job and no longer makes any money, the attention is focused on Grete. Grete starts off as the innocent girl and does what she is told, but after Gregors change, when she starts to carry some responsibility, then she, in her own way, demands respect. This is seen when her and her mother are decid ing whether or not to take out the furniture in Gregors room. Of course it was not only child defiance and the self-confidence she had recently acquired so unexpectedly, and at such a cost that led her to make this demand(25).