Influence

It would appear that throughout Gregor’s life, his little sister Grete has the most influence over him. She not only demonstrates the most care for Gregor but is also the most cared for by Gregor. In the beginning of Kafka’s novella Metamorphosis, Grete gets very emotional very quickly over the idea that Gregor may be about to lose his job. She is also the first in their family to extend kindness towards him by giving Gregor a bowl of milk. It is also obvious that Gregor highly values her opinion as well in how he continuously hides himself away from her so she can avoid being frightened by his new appearance as a bug. And, when he does show himself to his family, “Gregor had not the slightest intention of frightening anyone, far less his sister”. Because of this extreme devotion towards one another when Gregor hears Grete claim,“ ‘We must try to get rid of [Gregor]’ ”, he can do nothing more than agree. Because his sister not only wants him to disappear but has begun to think of him as an inconvenience, he feels the same way about himself. Though Gregor is portrayed as a weak character and the influence of others greatly affecting him comes as no surprise, every person finds themselves greatly affected by those they love.