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Chapter 2 starts the day after Gregor undergoes his metamorphosis. First hints of loneliness overtake him when neither
his sister nor either one of his parents comes in to visit him. However, his loneliness is replaced by elation when his sister
Grete makes an effort to visit him. Despite Gregor’s drastic change, Grete’s compassion for Gregor still remains.
A good example of her kindness toward him is when she leaves an array of foods for him in order to determine which foods he
likes best. Although she doesn’t stay in his room for more than a few moments, the gestures she makes show that she
is still concerned with his well-being, and that despite his transformation, she still cares about him. Gregor’s love
for his sister remains unchanged as well; it was she that he loved the most and it was she that he hoped to send to the Conservatory,
willing to do whatever was necessary in order for her to obtain the musical instruction she deserved. Gregor spends time listening
in on conversations his family has, and is particularly interested with their financial plans. His father had saved some of
the money Gregor had earned over the years, but it was nowhere enough for the family to live off of. Gregor is filled with
shame whenever the family discusses how they can earn money now; they had depended upon him for support. Because he can no
longer work, his elderly parents and his young sister have to take on their own jobs. Gregor is also grieved by how revolting
he is to Grete now. Although she comes to visit him every day, she can’t bring herself to look at him and she can’t
bear to be in the room for too long.
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While Gregor’s father refuses to see him, Gregor’s mother slowly comes around when opportunity presents itself.
Grete wishes to move out some of the furniture in Gregor’s room to provide him with some more crawl space, and she requires
her mother’s help. Gregor notices how his mother’s love for him still exists despite his transformation when she
suggests they keep the furniture as is so he doesn’t think they’ve given up hope that he’ll ever return
to who he used to be. Her suggestion also convinces Gregor to hold onto his memories of being a human rather than simply letting
go of them. Grete ignores her mother’s suggestion and continues to move furniture out of Gregor’s room. Gregor,
upset that his cherished items are being removed, flings himself at a hanging picture in hopes of saving it, startling his
mother and causing her to faint. When his father returns home and hears what Gregor has done, he chases Gregor, pelting apples
at him. Injured Gregor’s only hope becomes his mother, who thrusts herself in front of her husband in the hopes of saving
Gregor’s life.
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