When comparing the Johnston and Muir translation of Metamorphosis, there are subtle differences in word choices which can shift the tone or meaning of the story. One of the first word choice variations in the section is Johnston’s use of “electrified” compared to Muir’s use of “magnetized”. The word “electrified” connotes more randomness in terms of movement, while “magnetized” is more specific and targeted to certain pushes and pulls with respect to an object. The next word difference is “collided” versus “cannoned”. Johnston’s employment of “collided” evokes a much more scattered tone where conversely, Muir’s translation of “cannoned” creates a more direct effect. Overall, the Johnston translation is more sporadic seeming in terms of diction and in contrast Muir’s translation is more focused and precise.

It is clear that the family, so ashamed of Gregor’s monstrous form, shifts their attention and affection towards Grete. The sweet sounds of Grete’s violin put the family in a trance, completely focusing on the melody of the stringed instrument. The violin serves as a reprieve for the family, as it is so harmonious and enticing that it makes the family forget all of the stress put onto them by Gregor. Ironically, the violin was originally what tied Gregor and Grete together, and now it is tearing them apart. Gregor wants Grete to play her violin, and before he changed, he desired to even pay for violin lessons for her. He wants to take part in something beautiful as a rest from his dull everyday life as a salary man, and most importantly, Gregor wants to become closer to his sister. However, after his metamorphosis, he could no longer become part of something beautiful, and because of the family’s adverse reaction to his metamorphosis, he could no longer have the same bond with his sister Grete. The violin in this novella represents beauty for sure, but in a contrasting way. It symbolizes the importance of familial bonds and how intentions can sometimes have differing outcomes. Gregor realizes that he could no longer speak to Grete the way he used to, and that separates his bond with her.