The Metamorphosis of Grete
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The Metamorphosis of Grete
The character Grete Samsa in Franz Kafkas “The Metamorphosis” can be considered one of the greatest anti-heroes of literature ever created. Gretes positive transformation as a result of the invalidation of her brother Gregor is her crime. Although presented as an innocent bystander in the beginning of the story, it is her blossoming as her brother deteriorates that captures the essence of her crime. In the end it is the selfish, dehumanized, and harsh treatment applied by her which tragically seals his fate. Ironically, as a result of her actions, which have accelerated her passage into womanhood, she, too, will unwittingly fall victim to the same exploitation and dehumanization.
Initially Grete is a peripheral character in the opening sequence of the story which addresses Gregors newly found dilemma. Out of concern, like her parents, she initially tries to help, meekly offering aid and assistance to her brother. While listening to the exchange between her parents, Gregor, and the bewildered and angered office manager, she begins to sob (Kafka 476). Gregor hears this and ponders the reasoning behind her sobs (Kafka 476). After the exchange she is quickly dispatched to fetch a doctor by her parents (Kafka 478). Kafka initially portrays Grete as a compassionate, submissive, and mindful daughter.
The strength of the siblings relationship is established when Gregor is in a panic over the torridness of the situation and self-consciously exclaims a need for his sister as she was one that had “understood, she had even started to cry when Gregor was still lying on his back. And the office manager, a ladies man, would certainly have listened to her; she would have shut the front door and talked him out of his fright in the hall” (Kafka 480). With this characterization established, the reader feels a compassion for what may be seen as a close sibling relationship.
Gretes character remains absent until the second section of the story. It is then revealed that she has placed a bowl of milk in Gregors room (Kafka 482). Out of compassion for both her parents and her brother she becomes the caretaker of Gregors needs. Although hesitant at first, she quickly develops the courage to present herself to the horrific sight of her brother. Additionally, she begins to systematically interpret his nutritional wants and needs. In an article analyzing the reversal of gender roles within “The Metamorphosis” by Nina Pelikan Straus, this exchange between brother and sister demonstrates the first sign of change for Grete. It is here where we are realizing the fact that Gregor has exchanged “responsibility for dependency, while Grete exchanges dependency for the burdensome efficiency and independence that Gregor formerly displayed” (Straus 198-199).
Grete seems to be ok with the transition, and over time, she establishes a routine. As time goes on, she seems increasingly agitated at the commitment she has made to help her brother. I interpreted the agitation as Grete believing Gregor is ungrateful since Gregor is unable to communicate with her verbally. Gregor now hides under the sofa when she comes in to clear the inedible scraps that are scattered about within the room (Kafka 484). As the chore of feeding progresses, Grete is reporting the daily results of the feeding to the parents. Sometimes she is excited and comes across as feeling appreciated when he appears to like what she has offered, but dejected when Gregor doesnt eat much. Again lack of communication takes its toll on Gretes psyche, adding more fuel to the fire of resentment which seems to be building within her.
It is revealed that Gregor has a desire and is committed to helping his sister with a secret plan to help her attain her dream of attending a music conservatory. The sisters dream has been merely that, an unattainable one, one that their parents have no interest in pursuing. The inability to communicate this has handicapped Gregor even further, as I believe this information would have given Grete less resentment and more drive to continue to help her brother. With the plan unbeknownst to her, the motivation to remain helping someone like Gregor who provides nothing for her is fading.
Through the narrators testimony we learn that Grete and the Mother have replaced the cook. This is an added duty to the sister who Gregor describes as a person “who was still a child at seventeen and whose life it would be a pity to disturb, since it consisted of wearing nice clothes, sleeping late, helping out with the housework, enjoying a few modest amusements, and most of all, playing the violin” (Kafka 487). Here we get a glimpse of the real Grete, someone who seems to be privileged, a little spoiled, and although subjected to work, has a pretty easy-going life. This life has now been interrupted, and although she is enduring the tasks at hand, what she seems to need is the attention, or really the validation of being noticed for her actions. Since Gregor cannot communicate his thanks to his sister, the services which she has provided him rather than helping him, begin to oppress him (Kafka 487).
Grete still compassionately notices some of Gregors needs. This is demonstrated with the positioning of the chair so Gregor can look out the window (Kafka 487). However, it is obvious the tension caused by the oppression is beginning to take its toll on both Gregor and Grete. Gregor becomes more reclusive and Grete becomes increasingly colder. As time goes by, Grete is increasingly repulsed at the sight and smell of her brother and is somewhat grateful when Gregor hides or covers himself with a sheet upon her entering (Kafka 487).
It is apparent now that Grete is becoming more and more affected by the situation and is beginning to recognize her discomfort over that of her brothers. In the last act of compassion that is displayed by Grete, she decides to clear space for Gregor to have more room to move. Grete convinces their Mother to assist her with the task of moving furniture. During the process Gregor emerges from