The Attempt To Save Humanity

The bible has been regarded as one of the most important pieces of literature since the time of man. Thus, it is no surprise that biblical allusions come to play in the works of various authors, including Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. In both, the role of the bible is ever apparent, as the stories mirror similarly the journey of Jesus Christ, who faced betrayal and crucifixion for the greater good. Therefore, Kafka and Beckett intentionally incorporate elements of the bible in order to highlight the tragedy of their characters вЂ" a tragedy that parallels that of Jesus.

In The Metamorphosis, a family’s foolish concern with reputation results in the death of their only son, Gregor Samsa. An innocent victim of an atrocious transformation, he represents the biblical reference to Christ. Similarly, both characters are doubted throughout the story. Jesus, who claimed he was the son of God, was constantly doubted by his fellow peers, who never had faith in his proclamation. Likewise, Gregor Samsa is also doubted by his family. Though not expressed verbally, the family’s actions toward him illustrate their doubt towards Gregor. By treating him like the mere insect he has become, the lack of faith between the two is stressed even further, pushing the limits of love and hate. When ushering Gregor back into his room, the father “[drives] Gregor forwards as if there were no obstacle.” Shown inconsideration, Gregor is degraded to the point where even the simplicity of opening a door becomes difficult. Doubted and cast aside, Gregor is left alone in silence, just as Jesus was in the garden of olives moments before his fatal betrayal.

The biblical allusion to betrayal is also illustrated in the pages of The Metamorphosis. Just as Jesus was betrayed by Judas, so is Gregor betrayed by his family. With only reputation in mind, Gregor’s family becomes horrified and even embarrassed of his demeanor. Shocked by his grotesqueness, his own mother desperately pleas “Help, for God’s sake, help!” By having those words come specifically from his mother’s mouth, Kafka emphasizes the cruelty displayed by the Samsa family. Juxtaposing a warm, nurturing mother with a rash flame of words, the author intentionally creates a vision of discord among the household. Therefore, unable to bear the repulsiveness, they keep him confined in the quarters of his room, cut off from the rest of society and left in isolation. Ironically, their mistreatment of Gregor lies unjust, as a change in appearance did not result in a change of heart. Gregor, like Jesus, yearns to reach out to his family, but they in turn shun him for family honor, similar to Judas, who betrayed Jesus for material wealth.

Finally, biblical allusions also come to life through Kafka’s use of symbols. During the path to Jesus’ crucifixion, a crown of thorns was placed on his head, mocking him as the “king of the Jews.” Symbolized as an image of pain and suffering, the crown of thorns parallels to the wound on Gregor’s back, an infliction caused by his very own father. The wound from the apple symbolizes Gregor’s anguish. Serving as a reminder of his family’s betrayal, the apple represents the un-removable misery from their cruel actions, and the painful endurance of daily scorn. Gregor, like Jesus, was almost mocked in a way вЂ" he was degraded. With his father’s tossing of the apple, Gregor is minimized to a cockroach, a mere pest that can be killed with a simple pelt of an apple or the swat of a hand. It represents his family’s sinly behavior, and a scar that was necessary to leave a mark.

Like The Metamorphosis, Beckett’s Waiting for Godot is also filled with biblical allusions. In the work, the two characters Estragon (Gogo) and Vladimir (Didi) are waiting for a mysterious figure named Godot to come and save them. However, in actuality, the two men represent the faithful disciples of Jesus, while Godot in turn represents God himself. Shown through their close relationship and willingness to support each other in times of need, it is indeed likely that the Didi and Gogo share a connection of disciple hood. And thus, like the loyal disciples they are, the two patiently wait an eternity for their savior to arrive;