Metamorphosis II Summary

Summary

Gregor awakens at dusk from a long, coma-like sleep and finds himself weak, injured, and hungry; he is drawn to a dish of milk left by his sister but is repelled by its taste and his pain. He spends the night under the couch, resolving to be patient and considerate so his family can bear the strain of his condition. Early next morning Grete enters cautiously, discovers him, and—trying to be kind—brings a varied selection of foods; Gregor eagerly devours the items he prefers and is given food twice daily thereafter, always when the household is otherwise occupied.

Behind the closed door Gregor listens to the family discuss their finances and prospects, learning that some savings remain but not enough to live on for long. Grete takes on most of Gregor’s care, and the household dynamics shift: the maid leaves, his parents are too distressed to enter his room for weeks, and Grete becomes his advocate and main attendant. Gregor adapts to his confinement by crawling on walls and ceilings; Grete removes some furniture to make room for him, though their mother objects and fears the room will feel abandoned. When Gregor emerges impulsively to protect a picture from being removed, he frightens his mother into a faint. His father arrives, transformed into a stiff, authoritative figure in uniform, chases Gregor around the room, and begins to pelt him with apples; one lodges in Gregor’s back and he collapses as his sister and mother plead for mercy.

Key events

1. Gregor wakes at dusk, finds food, but prefers to hide under the couch.
2. Grete discovers Gregor, brings a newspaper selection of food, and locks the door for privacy.
3. Family discusses finances and changing household roles behind the closed door.
4. Grete removes furniture to make room for Gregor; mother objects but Grete persists.
5. Gregor emerges to cling to a framed picture; mother faints at the sight.
6. Mr. Samsa returns, pursues Gregor and throws apples, one injuring Gregor and ending the scene.

Analysis

This chapter deepens the novel’s exploration of isolation, duty, and shifting family roles. Structurally it moves the action inward: much of the plot unfolds through sounds and overheard conversations, which emphasizes Gregor’s enforced separation from human exchange. The detail of Grete’s careful, childlike ministrations—bringing a rag to handle the dish, locking the door for his privacy—creates a blend of compassionate care and infantilizing distance; she becomes both protector and gatekeeper. The family’s financial discussions reframe Gregor’s previous role as provider and reveal their slow, reluctant acceptance of economic responsibility, which undercuts Gregor’s pride and fuels his shame.

Symbolically, the repeated images of doors, keys, and the couch mark thresholds between the human world and Gregor’s new condition; the picture of the lady in fur becomes a talisman of identity and continuity that Gregor instinctively protects. Kafka’s narrative technique—present-tense focalization through Gregor’s perceptions mixed with indirect discourse—keeps readers aligned with his mental life while restricting access to others’ motives. The father’s sudden transformation into a rigid, militaristic figure and the apple attack introduce a more violent, punitive family response that escalates tension and foregrounds themes of rejection and dehumanization. The chapter thus transitions the story from bewilderment to active hostility, while deepening emotional and thematic stakes.

Important quotes

“He was so pleased he almost laughed, as he was even hungrier than he had been that morning, and immediately dipped his head into the milk, nearly covering his eyes with it.”

NarratorShows Gregor’s overwhelming hunger and initial relief at his sister’s attempt to feed him, highlighting his animal physicality and vulnerability.

“"What a quiet life it is the family lead", said Gregor to himself, and, gazing into the darkness, felt a great pride that he was able to provide a life like that in such a nice home for his sister and parents.”

NarratorReveals Gregor’s pride in his provider role and foreshadows the anguish he feels now that that role is compromised.

“"Gregor!" shouted his sister, glowering at him and shaking her fist.”

Grete SamsaMarks the first direct address to Gregor since his change and signals the shift from anxious care to anger and confrontation.

Characters in II

• Gregor Samsa
• Grete Samsa
• Mr. Samsa
• Mrs. Samsa