Comedy or Horror?
Throughout the book, I was often conflicted about whether Kafka was trying to create a comedic or horrific effect. One scene that especially portrays the mix of comedy and horror is the scene when Gregor finally comes out of his room and shows himself in bug form to his entire family and the Chief Clerk. The fact that Gregor still thinks he is going to be able to go to work has a comedic effect on the story. As the Chief Clerk is backing away from Gregor in horror, the only thing Gregor is thinking about is the fact that the Chief Clerk might not let him go back to work. He is not even thinking about how he is a giant bug. He tells the Chief Clerk, “‘Now I’m going to get dressed at once, pack up my samples and be off’” (75). For some reason, Gregor thinks he is going to be able to fit into his human clothes and continue the day, just like any other day....