Kafka's The Metamorphosis
Chapter One: Literary Analysis (Samuel Vitello)
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"He was a tool of his boss, without brains or backbone. What if he were to say he was sick but that would be extremely embarrassing and suspicious because during his five years with the firm Gregor had not been sick even once. The boss would be sure to come with the health-insurance doctor, blame his parents for their lazy son, and cut off all excuses by quoting the health insurance doctor, for whom the world consisted of people who were completely healthy but afraid to work. And, besides, in this case would he be so very wrong? In fact, Gregor felt fine, with the exception of his drowsiness, which was rally unnecessary after sleeping so late, and he even had a ravenous appetite."

            This passage is significant in many ways, from the content to the tone to the language used. The content is consistent with the philosophy of existentialism. The first sentence of the passage speaks on the issue of self-determination. Under existential thought, one is supposed to create their own path and be defined by the actions they take. Under this thought, one who is a tool of another has no true identity. The absurdist principle that anything can happen to anyone at anytime is evident in this passage in regards to Gregor’s transformation and so is the absurdist principle that life is unfair. This second principle of absurdity is seen in Gregor’s consideration of the health insurance doctor and his belief that this man would, even when Gregor has transformed into an insect, believe that the reason for Gregor’s tardiness to be laziness. This demonstrates the unfairness of life.

            Gregor’s tone is defeatist and apologetic. The tone changes quickly from proud, with a focus on the good things Gregor has done (“If he were to say he was sick…that would be…suspicious because during his five years with the firm Gregor had not been sick even once.”), to self demeaning. To this extent, Gregor eventually predicts that his boss would treat him in the exact same way as he would treat anyone (in regards to the boss’ reaction and the health insurance doctor). Dispite what he perceives he has done for the company he is not special.

            Gregor has an eager, yet desperate tone throughout this passage. He is fearful of the consequences of staying home. He begins by hypothetically bringing up the idea of calling in sick, but immediately backs away from the idea the idea by predicting his boss’ actions and finally coming to the conclusion that he felt fine and, because of this conclusion, decided he had no basis to say home. This shows how much he is willing to over look in order to achieve his goals of earning enough money for his family to repay their debts, but also shows how this eagerness over whelms his comprehension of the reality of his situation.

When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin...