Grete's Evolution in The Metamorphosis Analysis Essay

In the novella, The Metamorphosis, Grete's character goes through her own evolution that is even more significant than Gregor's. Grete gathers enough perspective and life experience when she leaves the home to go work to begin to question if these sacrifices she is making are worth it. She finds her voice with her parents and takes charge of the situation. By the end of the story the Mr. and Mrs. Samsa’s focus is completely on Greta, and how she will now finally be able to begin her own life. This all shows how she was the one metamorphosing all along.

As Grete begins to work, she slowly starts to distance herself from the responsibilities of taking care of Gregor. Going from being his primary caretaker to not even entering his room. “Grete would probably be the only one who would dare enter a room dominated by Gregor crawling about the bare walls by himself.” (52). Grete cares very deeply about her brother, that is apparent through the devotion she showed to his care in the beginning of the story. As the novella progresses it’s not that she stops caring about him, but as she enters the real world by beginning her job she is forced to decide between living her own life, or caring for Gregor in his seemingly terminal state. 

There are other moments in the story that directly show Grete’s personal evolution. Moments such as Grete raising her voice at her parents, and being vulnerable with her emotions during a difficult time. “...Gregor’s sister screamed at her that she was never to clean Gregor’s room again;” (66). These incidents may not have been great, but they show the growth she has made by finding her voice to speak up to her parents. Grete shows vulnerability, breaking down over everything she has had to deal with with Gregor. “We have to try and get rid of it,” said Gregor’s sister, now speaking only to her father, as her mother was too occupied with coughing to listen, “it’ll be the death of both of you, I can see it coming. We can’t all work as hard as we have to and then come home to be tortured like this, we can’t endure it. I can’t endure it any more.” And she broke out so heavily in tears that they flowed down the face of her Mother…” (79).

As the novella comes to a close, Grete is now the focal point of the story. They way Mr. and Mrs. Samsa view Grete has also changed, as they now see that she is not an immature little girl anymore. “...Mr. and Mrs. Samsa were struck, almost simultaneously, with the thought of how their daughter was blossoming into a well built and beautiful young lady.” (97). It’s symbolizing the conclusion of this chapter in her  life as she is now ready to step into the real world. She is still young, but she has her whole life ahead of her.  

Overall there are clear signs that point to Grete’s evolution being the true Metamorphosis in this novella. From her gaining a new perspective of the real world by getting a job, finding her voice and speaking up to her parents, and finally having her parents realizing the wonderful women she has become as she prepares to enter into society. For the reader this may not be so apparent at first, but as the story continues you will find that Grete has more character progression than anyone else. “...as if in confirmation of their new dreams and good intentions, as soon as they reached their destination Grete was the first to get up and stretch out her young body.” (97).