An Extraterrestrial Being
...om is mentioned as kind of plain all except for one specific picture. This picture is of a woman in fur that symbolizes the opposite sex in other ways rather than a mother or sister. In the line of work he is in, he is always on the go and has no time for social relationships with women. The picture of the fur lady may also represent a type of love interest for Gregor. He remarks that the people he meets while traveling are never more than temporary acquaintances. Gregor is single and more than likely very lonely, so this picture is his escape from his solitude. Another way to look at his alienation from society was somewhat mentioned in the job section. Being that Gregor is in the capitalist economy, making money is of primary importance; those who do not work become completely insignificant in the eyes of other business people. Now that Gregor is incapable of making money, he has become completely insignificant to his boss, family, and the rest of society. When we think of an insect, we think of something nasty and something that should not be around. Gregor’s role as a non-moneymaking member of society is what makes him repulsive or in other words an insect. Next, the reader looks at Gregor’s alienation from his family. Each night, he locks his doors and puts up a physical barrier between himself and his family. He cannot trust them with his personal life, because to them all he is good for is his money. His family shows no concern for Gregor’s well being, unless money is involved. When Gregor did not come out of his room they were only worried because he was going to be late for work. He is somewhat like an indentured servant to his family. He is forced into hated labor in order to pay off debts for his family. Although, this is the way Gregor is treated by his family he shows no signs of anger towards them; however, he does feel a sort of guilt. He cannot see that this transformation isn’t his fault. Instead of his family understanding why Gregor could not go to work, they ultimately got angry with him. His father only wants the money and yet does nothing to try to help Gregor and the family “hold down the fort”. The father has nothing to do with his son, nor do the mother and sister in the long run, after the metamorphosis. Now we should look at Gregor’s humanity and body alienation. Although his conscious continues to be human, his physical appearance and vocals are no longer that of a huma...