The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is an allegory which depicts symbols of isolation and conformity. In the novel Gregor Samsa is turned into a bug and locked in his room where he fasts. This set of symbols contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.
The bug that Samsa turns into plays the biggest role. Samsa is turned into a bug with weak little legs, no hands and a body that damages easily, but heals quickly. Gregor is refused from society and not even his family can bare to look at him. This image of a bug is in relation to non-conformity. Gregor can no longer fit into society and is pushed away for this. This shows that in real life it’s a conform or die situation and that’s exactly what happens to Gregor.
The second theme that The Metamorphosis explores is isolation. Upon being discovered Gregor’s family locks him inside his room. This Confinement inside his room is a symbol for isolation of the non-conformist in our modern world. This means that because Gregor didn’t fit up to standards set by his family, or any visitors, he could not be communicated with or even seen by many.
During Gregor’s confinement in his little room he refuses mostly all food that is put in front of him. After some time Gregor completely turns down all food and because of this he dies. The refusal of food is another symbol for non-conformity. To survive everything has to eat, Samsa learned that he did not like to eat, because of this and other physical characteristics Gregor didn’t fit in. It was this fasting that eventually led to his death.
The symbol of the bug and the fasting relate to standing out in a conformist society. The symbol of the room stands for isolation. Together these symbols explain that in our society the one who stands out will be pushed away and hopefully die to lift the burden of hiding the outsider.
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