Metmorphasis Vs a Rose for Emily

Writer's Franz Kafka, and William Faulkner both display comparable conflicts in the short stories, A Rose for Emily and Metamorphosis. The protagonists, Emily Grierson and Gregor Samsa, both experience oppression from their fathers which leads to societal isolation and judgment, leaving them with little purpose in the world.

Mr. Grierson was an old fashioned wealthy man, who thought of himself as dominant over the others in the town. Providing the town with a loan, the Grierson family was emitted from having to pay taxes which instated that no man was comparable to his status, and therefore not good enough for his daughter Emily. His narcissistic attitude was intimidating, and repelled the interest of every man in the town. In result of this, Emily neglected the men and put her sole focus on tending to her father. Her selflessness is evident on page 76 of the text: "We had long thought of them as tableau. Miss Emily a slender figure in white in the background her a father a spraddled silhouette in the foreground, his back to her and clutching a horse whip the two of them framed by the backflung front door" (Pg.76) This quote displays Emily's dedication to her father, and exposes his abusive authority while inflicting pain upon her.

Gregor too is faced with an oppressive father, Mr. Samsa, in Metamorphosis. He takes on his father's responsibilities as Mr.Samsa puts the family in debt after a business failure. Patriarchy is contradicted as the son is now appointed the provider of his family due to his father's failure to successfully run the business, causing debt. Although Gregor is successful in his job, he does not entirely favour it. Gregor experiences a transformation from human to insect resulting in the alienation and abuse of his father. Mr.Samsa is aware that Gregor had good intentions of rejuvenating his family from the ruins, but his self-admiration believed otherwise. " None of Gregor's pleas helped - none of his pleas were understood. The more submissively he bowed his head, the more vigorously his father stamped his feet [...] His father drove him back mercilessly, spitting out hissing noises like a wild beast [...] If he had only been allowed time to turn around, he would have gone immediately back into his room, but he was making his father upset." (pg.402) Rather than attempting to understand his son, Mr. Samsa rejected Gregor's good intentions and was found punishing him in an uncivilized manner, as though he was non-existent. Mr.Samsa felt that Gregor was a threat to his dominance and views his sons unfortunate state as an advantage to obtain the role as sole provider for the family. His inappropriate mannerisms towards his son can also be viewed metaphorically. Insects are generally seen to be lower life forms and a menace to lives, and are considered repulsive due to their physique and appearance. Gregor's father then sees him in this perspective as the transformation evolves

As Emily encounters her life with an oppressive father she is soon lead into isolation within her own household. Placing herself into isolation once receiving the knowledge of her father's death, she is only left with her house, and is therefore seen by the townspeople as closer to their ranking. In result of no other men contributing to her life, she is found neglecting society because of the treatment she receives and her troubled state is judged by the public. The narration of the story being stated by the town often comments on her seclusion, this is apparent on page 75: " After her father's death she went out very little; after her sweetheart went away, people hardly saw her at all. A few of the ladies had the temerity to call, but were not received, and the only sign of life about the place was a Negro man- a young man then-going in and out with a market basket." (Pg.75) This quote demonstrates the towns view upon Emily and by their judgements they witness her change in lifestyle. They refer to her appearances as "looked bloated, like a body long submerged in motionless water, and of that pallid hue" (Pg.75)

Gregor working to assist the family financially envisions himself being set from his family's obligations by quitting his job. Although his wishes are answered his transformation forces Gregor to face