Alright, so I'm researching some symbols for an essay relating to The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. If you've read it, I'm basing my essay around the symbolism of Gregor's room in relation to his life and transformation. Right now I'm just trying to find what the objects within his room could mean and then trying to relate it to his life and transformation. I was hoping that some of the brilliant minds on here could tell me either what they think these objects symbolize or what they know they symbolize. You do not have to have read the novella to help with the symbolism. I won't say which objects I've figured out (unless it becomes redundant) so I can further my thoughts on these objects. The objects that I know are in the room are as follows:
-Bed with a quilt
-Window with only a hospital in view (gloomy sky, rain in first scene)
-3 doors (correct me if I'm wrong please) with a key in one of them (each door to his mother, father and sister)
-Floor with a carpet (food is later layed out with milk, most of which is now disgusting to him)
-Alarm clock
-Writing desk (cloth samples unpacked and spread out over it)
-Sofa with a sheet (author calls it the "indispensable sofa")
-A cut out picture from a magazine of sorts of a lady covered in lots of fur (more can be said on that if necessary) that sits in a frame he made with his fretsaw (that lies in the chest).
-Polished Chest (heavy and old)
-Chair
Later...
-Empty room, naked walls
-Walls become streaked with dirt, dust, filth
-Junk is thrown in later
Alright, so that's what I have found from the novella so far. If there's anything else, let me know so I can add it to my list. Just to note, I am not asking for what the symbols could mean in relation to Gregor, just what they mean or could mean in general (relating to anything).
If anyone has any questions, just post them here and I'll answer them as soon as I see them ... and know the answer.
((PS: Gregor is a giant insect))
-Bed with a quilt
-Window with only a hospital in view (gloomy sky, rain in first scene)
-3 doors (correct me if I'm wrong please) with a key in one of them (each door to his mother, father and sister)
-Floor with a carpet (food is later layed out with milk, most of which is now disgusting to him)
-Alarm clock
-Writing desk (cloth samples unpacked and spread out over it)
-Sofa with a sheet (author calls it the "indispensable sofa")
-A cut out picture from a magazine of sorts of a lady covered in lots of fur (more can be said on that if necessary) that sits in a frame he made with his fretsaw (that lies in the chest).
-Polished Chest (heavy and old)
-Chair
Later...
-Empty room, naked walls
-Walls become streaked with dirt, dust, filth
-Junk is thrown in later
Alright, so that's what I have found from the novella so far. If there's anything else, let me know so I can add it to my list. Just to note, I am not asking for what the symbols could mean in relation to Gregor, just what they mean or could mean in general (relating to anything).
If anyone has any questions, just post them here and I'll answer them as soon as I see them ... and know the answer.
((PS: Gregor is a giant insect))
