Part II page 34 first paragraph at top of page. (On hearing these words…)
Gregor’s life before he has become a new organism is utterly explained through the actions of his mother and sister emptying out his room. They do this to try and help Gregor, but he feels as though they have given up on him.The author uses distinct word choice when describing how he could make his mother believe that he did not want his possessions any longer. Gregor claims that a lack of direct communication and the monotonous life amidst the family has made his mind “confused” over the past two months. It is interesting how the lack of talking with his family and boring life style would blind him of what his family thinks of him. Gregor always just assumed that his family never changed and would never change even though he physically is not himself anymore.
Kafka also brings up an interesting theme of feeling human. Though Gregor is a giant insect, he has only taken over this new life form for a few days and already his family is adjusting to his new possible needs. Even Gregor himself agrees that it would be nicer to live in a space where he could crawl around and not be obstructed, yet he does not know if it is worth aiding the complete erasing of his human existence. It also is related to Kafka’s word choices when Gregor describes his life using words like “monotonous” and “lacking human connection”. It is as if Gregor is finally realizing that this is a problem. The fact that people are getting used to it and that he is getting used to it. He realizes this the first time he actually hears his mother’s voice in a long time. Gregor now wants all of his possessions back and starts to shift his character. He becomes more direct-saying he wants his possessions and not creating excuses or taking his time. He describes having the furniture as “no disadvantage, but a great asset”. Gregor may not be physically human anymore, but he is still mentally human and determined to stay that way. 