Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis is a great book that has obvious meaning near the surface and is chalk full of symbolism deep down that isn’t quite so apparent. The more obvious representations such has Gregor’s existence being surrounded by doors, his major role in supporting his family and his physical lack of control are echoes that are necessary for the story, but don’t hold as much philosophical weight as some others. I loved the way Mr. Kunkle (and James) pointed out that Gregor is eerily similar to that of Jesus Christ. Gregor, like Christ, was very important to many people because he supported their well being. Jesus was punished for his doings and was physically abused much like Gregor was with the apples. I can’t believe that this was interpreted by Mr. Kunkle and Runde because I know for a fact that I would never have made that connection. So what do you think? Did Kafka really intend to make Gregor parallel Jesus Christ? Man, this class sure has taught me to read on deeper level.
In class we went into great detail about how many references were made that could possibly be interpretated to be about Jesus Christ. The curious thing is that Kafka was not a Christian, but a Jew. I thought maybe he meant this story as a criticism to the Christian belief meant to symbolize Jesus as a pest that lived in everyone's lives and could not go away, and his death was a relief to those he tried to help.
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