Comparison between novels
Compare the self-imposed isolation of both Gregor and the protagonist of Hunger in the novels Metamorphosis and Hunger.
Look at the use of a few sub-characters that are used to highlight the protagonists in any two novels: The Stranger,Hunger, and/or Metamorphosis. (note: any specific type of characters?)
In Hunger and The Stranger, compare/contrast the use of absurdity among the protagonists and how they are judged for that.
Compare the family in Metamorphosis and those in Hunger.
Individual novel
Examine/analyze the use of light and dark in The Stranger.
In Metamorphosis, look at how Gregor fits in the idea of existentialism and how he goes through a "realization" . (note: broad start)
In any of the novels, Hunger, The Stranger, or Metamorphosis, look at the relationships within the novel and what the author could be trying to say: eg. No one has a "normal one" thus showing the absurdity/fake-ness of the world- or something like that.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Killing an Arab by the Cure
My dad showed me this song Killing an Arab by the Cure.
The writer had based it off of The Stranger, by Albert Camus. Here are the lyrics:
__________________________________________
Standing on the beach with a gun in my hand
Staring at the sea, staring at the sand
Staring down the barrel at the Arab on the ground
See his open mouth but I hear no sound
I'm alive
I'm dead
I'm the stranger
Killing and Arab
I can turn and walk away or I can fire the gun
Staring at the sky, staring at the sun
Whichever I choose it amounts to the same
Absolutely nothing
I'm alive
I'm dead
I'm the stranger
Killin and Arab
I feel the silver jump smooth in my hand
Staring at the sea, staring at the sand
Staring at myself
Reflected in the eyes of the dead man on the beach
(The dead man on the beach)
I'm alive
I'm dead
I'm the stranger
Killing an Arab
________________________________________
It's always nice to hear that the novels and ideas we read about are actually in the world around us.
I found the lyrics quite interesting. Aside from the obvious display of motifs- the sand, the sea, the sky, the sun- the basic idea of The Stranger are represented in the song. "Whichever I choose it amounts to the same/ Absolutely nothing".
The chorus also contains some thought-provoking ideas: the "I'm alive/I'm dead" part. When Meursault kills the Arab, is he also killing himself at the same time? Physically, I suppose the answer could be yes- for he is condemning himself to be hung at the end. But what about spiritually?
What I found most intriguing was how he kept saying "staring at the sea, staring at the sand", etc., and then eventually said "staring at myself". We often notice how much his surroundings, especially the sun and the sky, influence Meursault. What we can add to this is why it changes him. What does Meursault really know about himself? At the end of his days in court, Meursault thinks to himself: "I had the odd impression of being watched by myself" (85). Does he recognize that he does have some emotion? Or is it that what the reader knows about the character is more than what the character knows about himself? We can analyze Meursault's character- an unemotional guy, blocking out any emotions whatsoever, disliking the sun and everything. But what does Meursault analyze? Although he provides reasons for his actions- eg. I slept because I drank too much wine- is that truly understanding himself, or has he just created some sort of bubble to protect himself?
I don't know if I'll listen to the song all that much, but it certainly has provided some thought.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Blog Portfolio March 4th 2011
Coverage:
Since the beginning of 2011, these are the blogs I have accumulated, dealing with the subject of existentialism. The majority of these blogs deal with three novels- Hunger (Hamsun), Metamorphosis (Kafka), and The Stranger (Camus). Other related articles are mentioned. Enjoy.
Light vs. Darkness
My Approach to Writing an Essay
Interpretation of Absurdity
Family Hierarchy
Gregor needs his family and his family needs him- or do they?
Hunger Mind Map
Hamsun and his characters are truly unknowable
Pastiche for Hunger
Hunger Artistry
Humans Need to Advance Themselves Too!
Making My Way Through Existentialism
Depth:
Gregor needs his family and his family needs him- or do they?
I felt that in this blog I came up with a different idea that contrasted with many other students. Also, I explored something that started with one sentence in my head that transformed into something much more complicated. What I liked about this blog was that the idea became a discussion not only on my blog but one that I could bring to others as well.
Interaction:
Making My Way Through Existentialism
While this wasn't a reply to someone else's blog, I wrote this after we discussed Sisyphus' story in class. A sort of continuation of that discussion/debate, I brought in the whole class' idea on the subject and agreed and questioned different parts. I've tried to give some of the individuals credit for their ideas, although I think the class as a whole developed the majority of the interpretations. This was more of a reply to the entire class- and Nina and Elizabeth were helpful enough to clear up some parts for me and further discuss ideas.
Discussion:
Interpretation of Absurdity
This blog sparked up an exploration of the Kafka movie and Metamorphosis between Elizabeth and me. I especially liked our conversation as we debated my ideas. What I first proposed was examined and questioned to result in a deeper understanding of the two "Kafkaesque" stories.
Xenoblogging:
Self-Respect
What I like about Julie's blog is that she almost always manages to connect it everyday life. This always keeps things real and meaningful, and so I was able to comment a lot on her blog. We started off having different viewpoints of Kafka's novel, and ended up really analyzing and contrasting the characters- especially Gregor and his father. Two quite different characters who have similar roles in the family. Anyways, I think we both understand the novel more now and even have a connection to our lives as well.
Wild Card:
Light vs. Darkness
This was an idea I had always been interested in after I read The Stranger. Since we hadn't blogged on it yet, I thought it was a good idea to set my thoughts straight about the novel itself. Also, I find the subject intriguing, and I may do my essay on this.
Since the beginning of 2011, these are the blogs I have accumulated, dealing with the subject of existentialism. The majority of these blogs deal with three novels- Hunger (Hamsun), Metamorphosis (Kafka), and The Stranger (Camus). Other related articles are mentioned. Enjoy.
Light vs. Darkness
My Approach to Writing an Essay
Interpretation of Absurdity
Family Hierarchy
Gregor needs his family and his family needs him- or do they?
Hunger Mind Map
Hamsun and his characters are truly unknowable
Pastiche for Hunger
Hunger Artistry
Humans Need to Advance Themselves Too!
Making My Way Through Existentialism
Depth:
Gregor needs his family and his family needs him- or do they?
I felt that in this blog I came up with a different idea that contrasted with many other students. Also, I explored something that started with one sentence in my head that transformed into something much more complicated. What I liked about this blog was that the idea became a discussion not only on my blog but one that I could bring to others as well.
Interaction:
Making My Way Through Existentialism
While this wasn't a reply to someone else's blog, I wrote this after we discussed Sisyphus' story in class. A sort of continuation of that discussion/debate, I brought in the whole class' idea on the subject and agreed and questioned different parts. I've tried to give some of the individuals credit for their ideas, although I think the class as a whole developed the majority of the interpretations. This was more of a reply to the entire class- and Nina and Elizabeth were helpful enough to clear up some parts for me and further discuss ideas.
Discussion:
Interpretation of Absurdity
This blog sparked up an exploration of the Kafka movie and Metamorphosis between Elizabeth and me. I especially liked our conversation as we debated my ideas. What I first proposed was examined and questioned to result in a deeper understanding of the two "Kafkaesque" stories.
Xenoblogging:
Self-Respect
What I like about Julie's blog is that she almost always manages to connect it everyday life. This always keeps things real and meaningful, and so I was able to comment a lot on her blog. We started off having different viewpoints of Kafka's novel, and ended up really analyzing and contrasting the characters- especially Gregor and his father. Two quite different characters who have similar roles in the family. Anyways, I think we both understand the novel more now and even have a connection to our lives as well.
Wild Card:
Light vs. Darkness
This was an idea I had always been interested in after I read The Stranger. Since we hadn't blogged on it yet, I thought it was a good idea to set my thoughts straight about the novel itself. Also, I find the subject intriguing, and I may do my essay on this.
Light vs. Darkness.
In Camus' The Stranger, I find the protagonist Meursault very interesting. At first I thought he was some unemotional, robotic guy: completely annoying and uncaring. As I read the second part, however, I started to notice that Meursault was not as unemotional as he appeared to be. There were times where I saw that he really just was a lonely guy.
So upon reading the novel a second time, I noticed more occurrences where he just wanted to be a part of society. The problem he has is this: he wants to be included, to have friends- but he doesn't understand society, and at times is uncomfortable in it. Take the chapter, for instance, where all he does, on a Sunday (which has its own connotations on by itself), is look out through a window at the world passing him by. His whole life, I thought, was sort of nicely summed up by what he says his mother says one time: that he is encased in a tree and all he can see is the sky above him, and he is used to this. So light and dark can represent the two sides: light, where the sky is, where society goes on without him, and darkness, inside the tree, inside his home, where he is comfortable yet unhappy.
There is a myriad of examples of light and dark interacting and contrasting each other- but what I want to focus on are his reactions to both:
It is obvious that Meursault often dislikes the sun and brightness. Every time he steps outside his comfort zone (outside the house, really), he is stunned by its brightness and its audacity. He is uncomfortable out in the openness, where the world exists. He doesn't understand the way people act and think- and so he is blinded by its brightness. At his times of confusion, it is because of the sun, the heat, and the brightness. Right before he kills the Arab, he can't stop looking at the way the light glints off the blade. So the light is society, where he wants to be. What is even more interesting is that one time Meursault is feeling gloomy at the brightness of the day when Marie comments on "what a beautiful day it was", and automatically he feels better: once he is a part of the society, of friendship, even family, he is not feeling so out of place in the light.
The darkness, on the other hand, is him- something that society does not understand or see. When he is in the comfort of his house, in the darkness, alone, he is in control of himself. Ironically, people are usually afraid of the dark, and Meursault in a way represents this- and is prosecuted for his strangeness- his dark, mysterious, abstruse character. The most interesting thing I find about the darkness is that when he is in the prison, he almost enjoys himself. There are no blinding lights here- there is his own cell, a prison yet comforting. Actually, that relates to the Hunger Artist and how he chose his own prison- perhaps Meursault sort of chose his own prison- except for the fact that he at times wishes to step into the light. The prison is a good example of the darkness and light. Although he is more comfortable in the dark, in the prison he still wishes and stares at the light outside in the outside world, the "normal" world. This forces him to realize that he was a bit happy out there. His own "metamorphosis", you might say.
Anyway, this relation between light and dark, Meursault and others, individual and society- it is discussed quite well in the novel, and I think there is a lot to say about it. Hopefully, I can keep an eye out for more of it, and maybe even do something on it. Oh, and I should add this to the class wiki.
So upon reading the novel a second time, I noticed more occurrences where he just wanted to be a part of society. The problem he has is this: he wants to be included, to have friends- but he doesn't understand society, and at times is uncomfortable in it. Take the chapter, for instance, where all he does, on a Sunday (which has its own connotations on by itself), is look out through a window at the world passing him by. His whole life, I thought, was sort of nicely summed up by what he says his mother says one time: that he is encased in a tree and all he can see is the sky above him, and he is used to this. So light and dark can represent the two sides: light, where the sky is, where society goes on without him, and darkness, inside the tree, inside his home, where he is comfortable yet unhappy.
There is a myriad of examples of light and dark interacting and contrasting each other- but what I want to focus on are his reactions to both:
It is obvious that Meursault often dislikes the sun and brightness. Every time he steps outside his comfort zone (outside the house, really), he is stunned by its brightness and its audacity. He is uncomfortable out in the openness, where the world exists. He doesn't understand the way people act and think- and so he is blinded by its brightness. At his times of confusion, it is because of the sun, the heat, and the brightness. Right before he kills the Arab, he can't stop looking at the way the light glints off the blade. So the light is society, where he wants to be. What is even more interesting is that one time Meursault is feeling gloomy at the brightness of the day when Marie comments on "what a beautiful day it was", and automatically he feels better: once he is a part of the society, of friendship, even family, he is not feeling so out of place in the light.
The darkness, on the other hand, is him- something that society does not understand or see. When he is in the comfort of his house, in the darkness, alone, he is in control of himself. Ironically, people are usually afraid of the dark, and Meursault in a way represents this- and is prosecuted for his strangeness- his dark, mysterious, abstruse character. The most interesting thing I find about the darkness is that when he is in the prison, he almost enjoys himself. There are no blinding lights here- there is his own cell, a prison yet comforting. Actually, that relates to the Hunger Artist and how he chose his own prison- perhaps Meursault sort of chose his own prison- except for the fact that he at times wishes to step into the light. The prison is a good example of the darkness and light. Although he is more comfortable in the dark, in the prison he still wishes and stares at the light outside in the outside world, the "normal" world. This forces him to realize that he was a bit happy out there. His own "metamorphosis", you might say.
Anyway, this relation between light and dark, Meursault and others, individual and society- it is discussed quite well in the novel, and I think there is a lot to say about it. Hopefully, I can keep an eye out for more of it, and maybe even do something on it. Oh, and I should add this to the class wiki.
Friday, February 25, 2011
My Approach to Writing an Essay
Steps to Writing an Essay (my style):
Step 1: Read the novel [at least] three times
Step 13: Revising the IdeasStep 1: Read the novel [at least] three times
- The first time to get the gist of the plot and just an overall view of what the novel is about.
- The second time to really start annotating on what I see and notice, and any recurring themes, motifs, etc.
- The third time to mark and note the novel for those literary elements I noticed before, and to jot down any connections between them, and just really to put down everything I think and see. Because I know what to look out for, I can connect ideas quite well.
- This is not limited to a certain type of essay: it can consist of motifs, themes, relationships, "big ideas", anything at all.
- Then, I cross off things that I find less interesting, not as important in the novel, or things that there don't have much evidence or meaning.
- Then, see any connections between any of the remaining ideas to see if there is an overall theme I would like to talk about, and decide on a topic.
- From my topic, I look at the importance of it (does it connect to any big ideas, why it is there, what is it's importance, etc.)
- I also look at the assignment to be sure that the topic fits in with what I'm supposed to do.
- I mark anywhere that mentions my topic (sort of making a mental list as well) and then pick out the quotes and things that especially connect to the topic and its meaning.
- From the good quotes, I take them (as well as the surrounding text for the context) and annotate them more, looking especially for literary techniques.
- Now I have a good idea of what to say about the topic, with a variety of ideas and representations.
- This is just to sort out my thoughts. I put the larger umbrella ideas as headers, with bullet points of quotes, connections, and any thoughts I have on the subjects.
- This also helps me sort out what I need and what I have- do I need more quotes or evidence from the novel for certain ideas? Do I need to analyze different parts more? What do I need to do?
- I look online and just explore a bit what other people have to say on my subject.
- I search for alternating views, opposing thoughts, and ideas that parallel mine (if any).
- This also means that I could talk it over with a couple of fellow students to see what they think as well. Just bouncing ideas of others.
- I can now return to my mini-outline, and change it. Now that I have all the facts and things I want to say, I organize them.
- What is my main point? I begin to create a thesis statement- not worded properly, but with all of the ideas that I want to include.
- I create subtopics: the "big umbrella ideas" I made before, but organized and clear.
- All of the quotes, my analysis of them, and ideas are included. I also see if there are any connections between the body paragraphs to see if there is any way to nicely transition them.
- From this I go back to my thesis statement and ensure that my ideas support the statement. I also sort of make topic sentences- although they're more of topic ideas, so I know how to start each paragraph.
- Although I have the idea of the thesis statement, now I can reform it and enhance it. I just go over it several times and make sure it is about as good as it can be.
- Also, if possible, I talk it over with someone to be sure about it.
- From my outline I just start writing- and not in any specific order. I can start at the introduction or a body paragraph. And it usually isn't perfect. I just take the bullet points from the outline and make them into sentences.
- Sometimes here I add a small idea or analyze a quote a little more. As long as I keep writing. Often times a paragraph is split, where I just write for the different quotes and little ideas, so I can connect it all together later.
- At this stage, my writing does not flow together as well as it should (or will later on). However, it has the ideas and all the things I want to say.
- I usually don't write the conclusion or all of the introduction during this stage- since that mostly restating the bulk of my essay.
- Now that all of my ideas and stuff is written down, I read it all over.
- Then, in the same style of not paying attention to the fluency or word choice, I finish up my introduction and put together a conclusion.
- Then, I look at each paragraph individually (usually starting with the body paragraphs and ending with the conclusion) and put it together. I make the connections between the ideas within each paragraph, I reword things, and overall just make sure things are clear.
- In the introduction and conclusion, I make sure that the overall ideas are there and that I didn't leave anything out.
- Oh yes, and create an interesting title. Which is hard, sometimes.
- Although the paragraphs are written, I now reread it again (and even several times) to make it sound good. That is, taking out all of the words that sound inappropriate, making sure the ideas are clear, and just fixing anything I notice in the essay.
- Now the Rough Draft is finished!
- I step back from the essay and let it sit for a while. Then later on I can come back with a fresh mind. I have to forget what I wrote so I can make sure everything fits together nicely and actually makes sense. Plus, it is just good to take a break. It's important.
- I read the essay over once or twice just to remind myself of what I was talking about. Also, I take advantage of my memory loss to mark anything that doesn't make sense. I also mark any mistakes that I happen to spot (although I don't specifically look for them).
- I can now look at the ideas and the analysis and everything else I wrote. I fix things, I rewrite things, and look at the placement of everything. Also, I look at what should be further expanded, and perhaps what is irrelevant. It is basically a general revise.
- Now I look at the words I used and the sentences I used and just think of better ways to say it or more suitable words.
- I read it through and mark what sounds weird or is not quite accurate. Then I go back and change it.
- Although if I had happened to come across an error, in grammar, spelling, or anything else, I fixed it, now is the time to really look for them, especially ones that the spell check doesn't come across. Just the technical stuff.
- If it is at all possible, I have someone, or even several someones, look at it and review it. Different people notice different things, and any help is much appreciated.
- I look at what other people have said. Do I agree?
- Usually, I do. I then change what they suggested.
- Then I read it over and just kind of think about it, seeing if I see any things that I want to change.
- I just pile all of those previous reviews into one: I read it over and over again and mark and highlight anything that I feel is weaker than the rest of the essay, what doesn't sound quite right, and anything else that I feel needs fixing.
- Sometimes I don't know what is wrong with it, or how to fix it- I just know that it doesn't quite fit: I mark it anyways.
- Then I fix them. And I reread. And I fix. And again. Until I feel ready and confident that it is what I want it to be.
- I also look at the presentation: does it have a title, name, date, etc.
- I sort of just panic about whether I have everything and the essay is ready to turn in. I just worry a lot. This stage usually doesn't last very long: usually lasting from the moment I decide to turn it in to the moment I actually do turn it in.
- I turn it in.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Interpretation of Absurdity
If "Kafkaesque" is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Kafka's work, then the film "Kafka" is quite Kafkaesque. I've viewed Kafka's work as representative of the absurd: the "normal" life of Gregor's, as a human, seems absurd indeed. However, the reader is not given a clear answer as to what is absurd and what is not: it is not clear what the theme of the novel is in this aspect, and we don't know what is "good" or "bad". There is an element of choice. It is up to the reader to decide whether Gregor's life as a bug or a human is more "human" and true. There is the question "What is humanity?" and Kafka himself does not judge the answer- the reader does. There is evidence from the novel Metamorphosis to support either theory. The bug can be considered human, as Gregor does more what he wants than as a human, but as a human, it is arguable that he is more human, as he fulfills his purpose, ect. Also, the family is a bit absurd as well- their feeble reaction to Gregor's transformation, and then how they evolve throughout the story. It can be considered that they have not changed at all, or have. It all depends on the reader.
This concept applies in the film. There is the normal world, and the absurd world. One would think that the normal world is the one with everyday events, and the crazier, insane world is the one with the torture, brain analysis, and whatever else was going on in the castle. However, the color that appears in the castle can contradict this theory. For us, color can seem like the normal world. And in the black and white world, where people do the same thing everyday and worry about little things, is absurd. There seems to be no point, and as they ignore the truth, what is the purpose of their life? The audience must choose for themselves what they believe. The question is also raised: "What is the real world?" and "what is normal?". Or even, "is there such a thing?"...
The movie and Metamorphosis both explore the idea of humanity. Is Gregor more human as an insect or a man? Is humanity progressing with creepy technology or ignoring the truth and staying put? I think one thing that is definitely "Kafkaesque" is the idea that the audience is left with more questions than answers.
This concept applies in the film. There is the normal world, and the absurd world. One would think that the normal world is the one with everyday events, and the crazier, insane world is the one with the torture, brain analysis, and whatever else was going on in the castle. However, the color that appears in the castle can contradict this theory. For us, color can seem like the normal world. And in the black and white world, where people do the same thing everyday and worry about little things, is absurd. There seems to be no point, and as they ignore the truth, what is the purpose of their life? The audience must choose for themselves what they believe. The question is also raised: "What is the real world?" and "what is normal?". Or even, "is there such a thing?"...
The movie and Metamorphosis both explore the idea of humanity. Is Gregor more human as an insect or a man? Is humanity progressing with creepy technology or ignoring the truth and staying put? I think one thing that is definitely "Kafkaesque" is the idea that the audience is left with more questions than answers.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Family Hierarchy
On page 89, of Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the author describes the situation where Gregor's mother has just fainted and the father has come home from work. This passage emphasizes the change in the family hierarchy. There are two main parts to this excerpt: the first is Gregor's memory of his father before his metamorphosis and the second afterwards. At first, Gregor does not recognize his father as he come in; his memory of his father is described in one long sentence. Gregory describes his father as tired and weary, rarely going out or doing much of anything. The next sentence, however, describes the new father, one who has stepped into his patriarchal role in the family. The use of diction in these two lines are crucial; each word contrasts the two images of Gregor's father. Before Gregor's metamorphosis, the father is portrayed as continually needing support from those around him; he wears his bathrobe, shuffles around with the help of his cane, and has tangled white hair. As the father entrances the room now, though, he is exactly the opposite. Wearing his bank attendant uniform, he advances on the bug with a determination and a straight back. Instead of staying in all the time, he works daily and his hair is finely combed. Before the bug situation had occurred, Gregor had been the one supporting his family and taking care of the problems. Now, however, the father has accepted his duty and takes care of the family, dealing with any threats to their well-being. This focus on the father throughout the passage highlights on the emotions of Gregor at this point. Written from the point of view of the son, the focus on the father shows how helpless and overwhelmed Gregor feels at the moment, unprepared for the change in his father. As Gregor feels out of place in his family, this also reveals the father return to being the head of the house. This passage exposes the change in family hierarchy, as the father takes control of the situation and asserts himself as patriarch. This change in the family, while being what most would call normal, turns Gregor's world upside-down.
Revise:
After Gregor's metamorphosis, his family changes its hierarchy- the father comes home from work and takes care of the family, instead of Gregor himself. Gregor fails to recognize this until one day his father approaches him directly with his new self. The contrast between Gregor's memory of his father before his metamorphosis and the man his father is afterward reveals the change in Gregor's family and the place the son takes:
"Truly, this was not the father he had imagined to himself... The man who used to lie wearily sunk in bed whenever Gregor set out a business trip... Now he was standing there straight as a stick, dressed in a smart blue uniform with gold buttons... from under his bushy eyebrows his black eyes darted fresh and penetrating glances; his formerly tangled whit hair had been combed flat on either side of a shining and carefully exact parting... his hands in his trouser pockets, advanced with a grim visage toward Gregor" (Kafka, 89).
At first, Gregor does not recognize his father as he come in; his memory of his father is described in one long sentence. Gregory describes his father as "a man who used to lie wearily sunk in bed" (89), rarely going out or doing much of anything. The next sentence, however, describes the new father, one who has stepped into his patriarchal role in the family. The use of diction in these two lines are crucial; each word contrasts the two images of Gregor's father. Before Gregor's metamorphosis, the father is portrayed as continually needing support from those around him; he wears his bathrobe, "shuffling" around with the "help of his crooked-handled cane" (89), and has " tangled white hair" (89). As the father enters the room now, though, he is exactly the opposite. Wearing his bank attendant uniform, he "advances" on the bug "straight as a stick" (89) with determination. Instead of staying in all the time, he works daily and his hair is finely combed. Before the transformation into a beetle had occurred, Gregor had been the one supporting his family and taking care of the problems. Now, however, the father has accepted his duty and takes care of the family, dealing with any threats to their well-being. This focus on the father throughout the passage highlights the emotions of Gregor at this point. Written from the point of view of the son, the focus on the father shows how helpless and overwhelmed Gregor feels at the moment, unprepared for the change in his father. As Gregor feels out of place in his family, this also reveals the father's return to being the head of the house. This passage exposes the change in family hierarchy, as the father takes control of the situation and asserts himself as patriarch. Now Gregor is the submissive one: perhaps even a threat to his family, he does what his father says. Gregor no longer takes care of his family; the father begins to work and supply the money. This change in the family, while being what most would call normal, turns Gregor's world upside-down.
Revise:
After Gregor's metamorphosis, his family changes its hierarchy- the father comes home from work and takes care of the family, instead of Gregor himself. Gregor fails to recognize this until one day his father approaches him directly with his new self. The contrast between Gregor's memory of his father before his metamorphosis and the man his father is afterward reveals the change in Gregor's family and the place the son takes:
"Truly, this was not the father he had imagined to himself... The man who used to lie wearily sunk in bed whenever Gregor set out a business trip... Now he was standing there straight as a stick, dressed in a smart blue uniform with gold buttons... from under his bushy eyebrows his black eyes darted fresh and penetrating glances; his formerly tangled whit hair had been combed flat on either side of a shining and carefully exact parting... his hands in his trouser pockets, advanced with a grim visage toward Gregor" (Kafka, 89).
At first, Gregor does not recognize his father as he come in; his memory of his father is described in one long sentence. Gregory describes his father as "a man who used to lie wearily sunk in bed" (89), rarely going out or doing much of anything. The next sentence, however, describes the new father, one who has stepped into his patriarchal role in the family. The use of diction in these two lines are crucial; each word contrasts the two images of Gregor's father. Before Gregor's metamorphosis, the father is portrayed as continually needing support from those around him; he wears his bathrobe, "shuffling" around with the "help of his crooked-handled cane" (89), and has " tangled white hair" (89). As the father enters the room now, though, he is exactly the opposite. Wearing his bank attendant uniform, he "advances" on the bug "straight as a stick" (89) with determination. Instead of staying in all the time, he works daily and his hair is finely combed. Before the transformation into a beetle had occurred, Gregor had been the one supporting his family and taking care of the problems. Now, however, the father has accepted his duty and takes care of the family, dealing with any threats to their well-being. This focus on the father throughout the passage highlights the emotions of Gregor at this point. Written from the point of view of the son, the focus on the father shows how helpless and overwhelmed Gregor feels at the moment, unprepared for the change in his father. As Gregor feels out of place in his family, this also reveals the father's return to being the head of the house. This passage exposes the change in family hierarchy, as the father takes control of the situation and asserts himself as patriarch. Now Gregor is the submissive one: perhaps even a threat to his family, he does what his father says. Gregor no longer takes care of his family; the father begins to work and supply the money. This change in the family, while being what most would call normal, turns Gregor's world upside-down.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)