A Bug's Life

 In Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”, Gregor is not only turning into a “monstrous vermin”, but he is turning into a liability. In Part 2, Gregor stays in his room at all times and his sister brings him food and drinks so he can survive. He is unable to provide for the family, so the family has to provide for him. Since the family is confused about what’s happening, they think Gregor is just gone and will return to his normal self again. They make points of not changing his room or furniture because of his eventual return. Gregor is unfortunately not an active member of his family since he does not provide anything other than the family taking care of him. His family treats him like a scary zoo animal. “During the first Fortnight, Gregor’s parents could not bring themselves to enter his room, and often he heard them expressing their heartfelt appreciation of his sister's labors.” (Kafka 205). Gregor’s own parents are unable to take care of him and reward his sister for doing the bare minimum for Gregor’s survival. Gregor’s metamorphosis puts a lot of pressure on the family financially, since Gregor was the main point of income. The dad is an old man who does not work anymore, the sister is only 17 and is the only part of the family that takes care of Gregor, and the mom is an old woman who gets exhausted when walking from one side of the house to the other. Gregor’s role in the family was the money maker, but now I’m not sure what his role is other than being a pet bug and being a liability to the household.