The Bible and Kafka's The Metamorphosis

The Bible remains a prominent spiritual guide read by many people despite its ancient stories. Standing the test of time, The Bible offers guidance which can be applied to life in modern times. The book of Proverbs contains many maxims which describe basic rules of conduct. An example of recommended neighborly behavior, Proverbs 3:29 suggests, "Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake" (Bible, Proverbs 3:29). Essentially, Solomon urges his son and the reader to be kind to people who are near. Advising people should not intentionally be mean to others, Solomon explains: Being so close, a neighbor looks for support and comfort during difficult times.

Literature mirrors life in many instances. Paralleling life's circumstances, great literature portrays realistic instances in which both sides of an issue can be felt. Similar to some individuals, there are literary characters who heed as well as ignore the conventional wisdom suggested in The Bible. In Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," Gregor's sister, Grete, attempts to follow the advice found in Proverbs 3:29 under very difficult circumstances.

During the initial days after Gregor's change, his sister makes attempts to take care of him in a sisterly manner. Since Gregor doesn't eat the milk and bread, Grete thoughtfully "brought him a whole array of food" (Kafka 2011). Although his sister initially appears to heed the advice in Proverbs, the reader is sympathetic to her surreal situation. As if afraid to catch this mysterious disease from Gregor, Grete uses a rag to protect her hands from the food bowl.

As Gregor's self appointed caregiver, the girl takes Gregor's meals to his room twice a day and keeps her parents informed of Gregor's food intake on a nightly basis. Over time, Gregor eats less and less. When she discovers an untouched meal, "she would say almost sadly: 'Now once again nothing's been touched' " (2013). Alone, Grete "shows genuine concern" (Metamorphosis Grete 1).

Although the pair can not communicate, the sister is very conscientious about Gregor's needs. She realizes he likes the chair pushed up to the window and after "only twice," she returns the chair for Gregor after she cleans his room (Kafka 2014). Over time, Gregor begins to entertain himself by "prowling crisscross over the walls and ceiling. His sharp-eyed sister realizes his new past time and decides to move the furniture which will "enable Gregor to crawl over the widest possible area" (2015). Furthermore, the "observant sister" appears to understand Gregor's humiliation as she kindly "tried to surmount the overall embarrassment as much as possible" (2014).

Exhausted from caring for Gregor, Grete adamantly tells her parents, "We must try to get rid of it. We have done everything humanly possible to look after it and put up with it" (2026). While her parents have done little to help her care for Gregor, the girl remains considerate to her parents. Breaking down in tears at the drastic measure, she insists, "That's the only way, Father" (Kafka 2027).

While Grete is the one who suggests they "get rid of it," the reader is sympathetic towards her feelings. "The stress of Gregor's condition" affects Grete as her entire life has changed (Metamorphosis Grete 1). Once leading a very easy life, she now endures "one of poverty and shame" (1). On the surface it may appear that Grete is joining her parents in disregarding the advice in Proverbs. However, the observant reader will realize "she understands that she has to let go of Gregor in order to move forward in her own life" (Metamorphosis Grete 1). As if heeding the given knowledge that life must go on, Grete admits she has done all she can possibly do for her brother. She is anxious to get back to her life. She will be able to do this with a clear conscious, as she gave Gregor all she had. After Gregor's death, when the family's trolley ride comes to an end, Grete stretches, preparing her body the action of living again.

Works Cited

Kafka, Franz. "The Metamorphosis." The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 2^nd ed. Lawall, Sarah. New York: WW Norton & Company. 2002. 1999-2030.

"Metamorphosis Grete by Kafka." 123HelpMe.com. 03 Jun 2007
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