The Metamorphosis

Lewis Liu                                                                                   March 16, 2017

The Metamorphosis

        I believe that the ending of the Metamorphosis is more optimistic that pessimistic. After going through such intense pain and isolation, Gregor dies in a rather peaceful way, in his sleep. “In this state of vacant and peaceful medication he remained until the clock tower struck three in the morning.” (127) Though this may seem as a pessimistic ending, as death is the worst thing that could possibly happen, Gregor, who had caused his family so much trouble, makes his decision to starve to death, thus effectively lightening his family’s burden. He leaves his life behind, and disappears as the story begins to highlight on the positive aspects of the Samsa Family, who left their apartment for a better one. “They canvassed their prospects for the future, and it appeared on closer inspection that these were not at all bad, for the jobs they had got, which so far they had never really discussed with each other, were all three admirable and likely to lead to better things.” (132) By leaving their old apartment, one Gregor had specifically selected, Gregor’s family had effectively erased any existence of Gregor, and had finally returned to lifestyle that they chose. The story also ends on a happier note, with the parents realizing what a beautiful woman Grete had grown up into, and began to think of getting her a husband, something normal parents would do for their children. For the first time in a while, the Samsa family looked forward to a more prosperous future.

...