This portion of the final paragraph of the work is evidence of the catharsis that was Gregor’s death. The language of comfort is used in the first sentence of the excerpt. Whereas previously the frailties of the three are primarily used to describe the parents (focusing on Mr. Samsa’s curmogeonness and Mrs. Samsa’s asthma),  the description of them as “leaning back comfortably” is just one example of the language used to show the entire family’s cathartic state. They are more at ease now that Gregor is dead.

            In relation to the tone of catharsis that entwines the passage, there is also an undertone of thankfulness for Gregor’s death. Since the first chapter when we first meet Gregor it is clear that he is a “tool for his boss,” as he admits. And, while he has some idealism concerning his sister’s future in a music conservatory, one can generally tell that he was a conservative spirit and a dull presence in the household. The burden he had always played is exaggerated by the events of the novel. Gregor’s death, therefore, shows an uplifting in the family’s spirits. This is inferred when they say, “the greatest immediate improvement in their situation would come easily, of course, from a chane in apartments.” Recently, they could not sell their oversized and inconvenient apartment because of the prospects of moving Gregor, but, in reality, the apartment had always been inconvenient and expensive, and they could never sell it because of Gregor who had picked the lodging in the first place. The immediate improvement in their condition could only come with Gregor’s death.

            This excerpt also shows that the family has become closer as a result of Gregor’s death. They had been on edge throughout the situation, but now that it is over the author notes that they for the first time ask each other about their positions. This is a bonding action.

            The language of this passage is also entirely forward looking. Whereas previously language focused on the trials of the present or on the whole of the past, his passage focuses solely on the family’s prospects for the future. It is only at this point that the family begins to talk to each other about the good things in their lives and realize that their jobs have opportunities for advancement. Also, after this passage Mr. and Mrs. Samsa also begin thinking about the idea of having their daughter be married.