Gregor as Christ in Kafka's Metamorphoses In his "Metamorphoses", Kafka uses an allegorical technique to compare Gregor's sacrifices with those of Jesus in the Bible. In the end, both Gregor and Jesus sacrifice their lives in order to help their loved ones, despite the betrayal. Kafka uses this biblical allegory to illustrate Gregor's Christian actions. In the Bible, God sacrifices his only son, a respectable and revered "heavenly" figure, allowing Jesus to live among sinful people. In human form, Jesus cures the illnesses of ordinary people and performs miracles to help them; Above all, he cares for them and loves them. Jesus is selfless, relentlessly dedicated to helping and serving others and making sure they have a better life by showing them "the way" to God. Jesus sacrifices his life in heaven to come to Earth and help his people. Just as Jesus makes personal sacrifices to help his people, Gregor similarly sacrifices his dreams and happiness to provide a good life for his family. Gregor's life revolves around his job as a traveling salesman. He is committed to his job, even though he doesn't like his job, "what a grueling job I chose. If I hadn't held back for the sake of my parents, I would have quit a long time ago" (4). Gregor's life lacks comfort and joy; is constantly on the go and is unable to establish quality relationships. However, he sacrifices his dreams for future happiness so that he can provide for his family. As the sole "breadwinner" of his family, Gregor withholds only a few dollars from his paycheck each month, using the rest to pay off family debts and sending the money home to his parents. His family is completely dependent on him for financial security, and Gregor's generosity has prevented...halfway through the papers...delivered by his family, from being imprisoned in his room; however, "he thought back to his family with deep emotion and love." His affection for his family translates into the belief that he must disappear in order to bring them happiness and peace. Gregor sacrifices his life and dies during the night to save his family from hardship. He loves them unconditionally, as Jesus loves his people, and does not criticize them for betraying and mistreating him. Gregor's final sacrifice of his life is the strongest comparison of his Christ-like attributes. In Kafka's "Metamorphosis" Gregor's sacrifices are shown to be Christ-like by the horrible treatment he receives from others, his betrayal by his family, and his selflessness. reactions and possible death. Works Cited: Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Trans. and ed. Stanley Corngold. New York: Bantam, 1972.