3 Gregors innermost self. The last, the metamorphosis can describe the changes
in the members of Gregor’s family before and after his transformation. This study is meant to explain the meaning of The Metamorphosis in
Gregor Samsa the main character of the novel. This can be achieved by studying the novel itself in order to find out a complete understanding about the right
meaning of The Metamorphosis. This proposed study will outline the underlying idea that Franz Kafka’s
The Metamorphosis must be read in the context of Kafka’s life background and the society where he lived. In fact, Franz Kafka wrote this novel based on his own
experiences and memories of his childhood and his bitter life. By studying this background, the writer of this thesis will understand more deeply about this novel
and will know the true meaning of The Metamorphosis.
1. 2. Problem Formulation
The problem of this study can be formulated as follows: 1 “How is the main character of the novel, Gregor Samsa depicted in the
novel?” 2 “What is the meaning of The Metamorphosis as experienced by Gregor?”
1. 3. Objective of the Study
The aim of the study is to find out the true meaning of The Metamorphosis as experienced by Gregor, one of the main characters of Franz Kafka’s The
Metamorphosis.
4
1. 4. Benefits of the Study
This study is conducted to give a complete understanding about the meaning of The Metamorphosis to the writer himself, the readers, the lecturers
and the students of English Language Education Study Program of Sanata Dharma University. The first benefit is intended for the writer and the readers.
The writer finds that by conducting this study, the writer sharpens an analytical thinking to reveal literary works. The writer also finds some moral values and
tries to live from these moral values. For the readers, this study is conducted to give a complete understanding about the meaning of The Metamorphosis and to
help the readers in finding the moral values for their life. The second benefit is for the lecturers and the students. For lecturers, this study can be used as one of
their materials in teaching-learning activity. For the students who want to work in literary, this study can be used as one of their references. This study can be their
guide to conduct a literature study.
1. 5. Definition of Terms
In order to avoid some misunderstanding about the terms used, in the beginning of this thesis some difficult terms will be defined.
1. 5.1. Metamorphosis
The word “metamorphosis” means “to transform.” It is defined in two ways; firstly, metamorphosis is the change of physical form, structure or
5 substance. Second, metamorphosis is a change of nature, a thing or a person into a
completely different one Merriam-Webster, An Encyclopedia Britanica Company.
In this study, the “metamorphosis” means the change in physical form and the change of a person. It is a symbolic language used to describe Gregor’s failure
to gain his individual needs and to describe his physical and mental sufferings during his life. The story of Gregor’s life honestly is the duplication of Franz
Kafka’s life which is full of physical and mental sufferings. The transformation experienced by Gregor can also be understood as a declaration of Kafka’s needs
that are not fulfilled. These experiences encourage him to use a verminous bug, a disgusting animal as a symbol of his The Metamorphosis novel.
1. 5.2. Transformation
