Research Paper on:
Minor Characters in 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
A work which has become one of the most recognizable pieces of twentieth-century literature, "The Metamorphosis" is the chilling, dream-like tale of Gregor Samsa, a hard-working salesman and dedicated  family man, who awakens one morning to find himself transformed into an insect. Samsas literal metamorphosis from human to insect is Kafkas symbolic representation of the dehumanization of mankind,  largely as a result of crass materialism. Things have suddenly become more important than people, and emotions such as selfishness and greed have replaced compassion and sensitivity. Gregor Samsa  clearly represents Everyman, whose life is dictated more by obligations to others than by serving his own needs. To have a greater understanding of the story, it is important  for the student who is writing about this topic to consider the significance of the minor characters, which Kafka masterfully employs to get his message across. When the weakened  Gregor is incapable of rising from his bed, following his shocking transformation, he decides to "call in sick" for the first time in five years. Rather than displaying concern  for his long-time employee, Gregors office manager (referred to in some translations as chief clerk) bursts into the Samsa household, demanding to know where he is. He is, after  all, concerned with business profits, not with the welfare of his employees. The manager wastes little time in reminding Gregor of his responsibilities, then takes to humiliating him in  front of his parents and sister Grete by chastising, "Mr. Samsa... What is wrong? You are barricading yourself in your room, answering only yes or no, causing your parents  serious and unnecessary anxieties, and -- I only mention this in passing, neglecting your duties in a truly outrageous manner... Your job is by no means rock solid. My