Support for Success

 Throughout “The Metamorphosis,” by Franz Kafka, Gregor’s idea of success transforms along with his body when he becomes an insect. As a human, Gregor felt a responsibility to provide for his family financially. His family grew to expect his money, so providing them with it was an example of his success. This is seen when Kafka writes, “All had grown accustomed to this arrangement, not just the family but Gregor as well: they gratefully accepted the money, and he was happy to provide it, but the exchange no longer felt particularly warm.”(203) While as an insect, Gregor still possesses this want to help his family, he also develops a want to have a connection with his family. As an insect, he is no longer able to communicate with them, and is able to see their discontent with his new appearance. Kafka mentions the guilt and sadness Gregor feels when he writes “If only Gregor had been able to speak to his sister and thank her for all she was compelled to do for him, he would have found her ministrations easier to bear; as it was, he suffered beneath them.” (204) Gregor felt bad that his sister had to help him, where before he was transformed the roles would have been reversed. Throughout Gregor’s transformation, the importance of a strong support system, or a support system in general, is shown as well. As his family distances themselves even more from Gregor after he can no longer provide for them, he loses any support he would’ve had previously. When going through a difficult time, many people are more likely to be successful with others’ support. Without his family, Gregor cannot overcome his transformation and fails to adapt, later dying. This reminded me of a difficult time I had in my life, and unlike Gregor, I had my family by my side to get me through it. Without having a strong support system, I do not believe that I could have been successful in overcoming my struggles.