25 temporary and constantly changing human relationships which never come
from the heart. To hell with it all p. 10.
The quotation above tells that Gregor has been working under pressure both mental and physical. Being a travelling salesman of course is a difficult work
because Gregor has to go around to different palaces to find customers to whom he can sell his product. Travelling around these different places wastes Gregor’s
energy but he has never skipped his work. He always goes to his office without being absent even for a day. Although it is difficult and the work does not come
from his heart, he has to do the job for the sake of the responsibility to his family. Gregor knows that a travelling salesman who is outside the office almost
the entire year can become so easily a victim of gossip, coincidences and groundless complaints but he cannot live without it. On the other hand his concern
is for his parents and their life, so he has to do all of these things as a responsibility to his family as a son.
Travelling is exhausting, but I couldn’t live without it. I am really indebted to Mr. Chief. On the other hand, I am concerned about my parents and my
sister. I’m in fix, but I’ll work myself out of it again. Don’t make things more difficult for me then they already are. Speak up on my behalf in the
office People don’t like travelling salesman. I know that p. 26.
Shortly, he makes this as an obedient son. He does not care whatever it takes only the family is in his mind.
4. 1.2. Hard working
Gregor is truly a hard working son. He is very responsible in his job and for his family. Gregor always spends his time working and his family also admits
it. His mother says,
26 “The young man has nothing in his head except business. I am almost
angry that he never goes out in the evening. Right now he’s been in the city eight days, but he’s been at home every evening. He sits here with us
at the table and reads the newspaper quietly or studies his travel schedules.” p. 18.
He does not go out in the evening in order to study his travel schedule. In his head only business and business. He has tried his best to do his work and as the result
he earns a lot of money for his family. “Gregor later earned so much money that he was in a position to bear the expenses of the entire family, costs which he, in
fact, did bear. They had become quite accustomed to it, both the family and Gregor as well.” p. 38.
Gregor’s spirit in work is seen when Mr. Manager accuses him as a lazy, a pig headed and a stubborn person. Gregor says that he is not like what his
manager thinks he is. He always does his job with a great responsibility. Mr. Manager Take it easy on my parents There is really no basis for the
criticisms which you are making against me. Nobody has said a word to me about that. Perhaps you have not read the latest orders which I sent in.
Besides, now I’m setting out on my trip on the eight o’clock train; the few hours rest have made me stronger p. 21.
He wants the manager to appreciate what he has done because he has worked harder than others in the office. He does not want the manager to say things like
that in front of his family who does not know how hard he has worked. When the other workers work with a relaxed manner, Gregor goes to work even harder.
4. 1.3. Lovable
It is stated previously that Gregor works hard not only for paying his father’s debt but also for his family’s income. He does the work because he loves
his family very much and he wants his family to live happily. For this reason, he
27 is willing to sacrifice his happiness and dream. He loves his family so much even
though they do not understand him and treat him badly. After the transformation to a giant bug and after the attack of his father, he
still shows his love to the family. Even though he is in agony he still remembers and loves his family.
The rotten apple in his back and the inflamed surrounding area, entirely covered with white dust, he hardly noticed. He remembered his family
with deep feeling and love…He remained in this state of empty and peaceful reflection until the tower clock struck three o’clock in the
morning p. 72.
We can imagine how great the love is for his family. Even though he has a big problem, in fact he always thinks about and loves his family.
4. 1.4. Isolated
