Explication of the last paragraph of The Metamorphosis

        Despite the loss of a loved one, the Samsa family feels a sense of relief when Gregor dies. As readers, we view Gregor’s death as sorrowful and pathetic, yet the family grieves with a mix of relief, hope, and sadness. The last paragraph in particular draws my attention. in a way, they celebrate their new freedom, for the three of them leave the house and head to the country side.  The choice to go to “the country on the edge of town” reflects their need for fresh air, further symbolizing their renewed sense of freedom. in a sense, they were prisoners of their own home while Gregor inhabited his mi room. Fear kept them there and at the same time pushed them away.  Now that their hinderance is gone, they can start life anew. By Gregor turning into a bug the family’s reliance on him disintegrated, for for the first time, the family discusses the success of their jobs with one another. The light which shines into the car symbolizes hope. its warmth rrors the family’s feelings toward one another. 

           The decision to change apartments is not unexpected. it is interesting, though, that they decide to move into a “smaller and cheaper, but better located and in general [a] more practical” one. Throughout the story, the family as not been very practical with their expenses. It is now that they decide to be practical. However, this new approach is not mirrored in all aspects of their life. The parents come to the realization that their daughter has quite matured and decides they want to marry her off. Ending the story like this adds to the idea that life goes on. The last words end with “their daughter stood up first and stretched her young body”. This is seemingly redundant, however it implies that she has awoken as a changed person. she is the one who has metamorphosed. 

POL Poem: The Road Not Taken Explication

      I chose The Road Not Taken as my poem for the Poetry Out Loud competition. I like this poem for a number of reasons. One being, that it is so misunderstood. Before reading it in English class, I had heard about it and made my assumption that Frost encourages his reads to take the road less traveled. I find this especially interesting. I think it mirrors American optimism, for we tend to create inspirational meanings rather than depressing ones. By choosing to see the inspirational rather than plainly truthful meaning, it exemplifies our desire to accomplish the American dream in our own, unique ways. This misinterpretation is funny, for it is exactly the opposite of Frost’s intended point. In fact, Frost makes fun of those who claim in hindsight that they have taken the road less traveled. I find this to be very ironic. The poem is best known as its opposite meaning rather than its intended one. However, I think it mirrors the very message frost is trying to depict. If you believe you’ve taken the road less traveled, or strive to do so, it is a waste of time, for everyone ends up in the same place.

            Another factor in choosing this poem is the sound of it. it is read in a rhythmic, rhyming way which not only sounds nice, but will hopefully make it easier to memorize. I also like the imagery involved throughout it. it’s intended message is also interesting. I like that Frost is saying to take the easy road because I feel like throughout life, people are always saying to take the hard road now so that your life will be easier later. Frost contradicts the norm. Above all else though, I love how misunderstood it is. The irony in its misunderstood meaning is what sticks out to me the most.