When Grete first saw Gregor, she was in denial. Gregor's metamorphosis was like being confronted by sudden death. On the other hand, Gregor's continued presence defied the grieving process. He was dead; but he was not gone. Grete could not come to terms with the loss of her brother because in order to accept this loss, Gregor had to be physically removed. That he was not removed caused anguish in Grete's life. Her reaction to this anguish is to turn on her brother. During this struggle to find acceptance Grete begins a journey of self-discovery. She metamorphoses from a shy and dependent girl to a mature woman, ready for marriage and ready to take on the responsibilities of raising and caring for a family.

In Grete, his sister, Gregor feels a protective kinship; he is successful in drawing out of Grete the most active sympathy. Grete cares for Gregor as...
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