Theme Analysis - Myth

This myth directly correlates with The Metamorphosis because it strives to describe the idea of man’s isolation, a major theme in the story, and explain why as humans we are not supposed to be alone. Other myths might describe how a zebra got their stripes, but this myth was created to explain the isolation of humans and the effects that it has on that person, and why it should be avoided at all costs.

“Mama, what happens to people when they don’t have any friends?”

“Well, darling, let me tell you a story that my mother told me when i was young...

...Once upon a time, there was an old man.

This old man had only one friend with whom he loved dearly,

 it being a tree he had taken care of his whole life.

One day, an evil wood-chipper cut down his beloved tree.

This poor old man sobbed over his tree for weeks,

until all of his tears dried up and he couldn’t make anymore.

This poor man had lost the only thing he cared about, 

and was entirely alone.

His life was meaningless, 

he simply walked around outside talking to himself 

because there was no one there to listen anymore.

After some time, 

he lost all of his touch on reality and began sliding into insanity.

Nobody, of course, was there to witness his transformation,

or help him get out of it.

He was completely and utterly lost.

His heart was so full of sadness because of the loneliness

that this poor man endured, 

that he simply died one day of never having anyone to talk to.

He died of a broken, lonely heart...

and that, my dear, is why humans must have friends, because we are

social creatures who simply cannot live without interaction

among friends, neighbors, and sometimes enemies. 

Once we lose that interaction, our mind starts to lost

base with reality. 

We begin to forget who we are. 

So, by never having any friends, that’s where crazy, sad people come from.

You must always try and be kind to everyone, even if you don’t 

necessarily like them.”

“As long as I have friends, I won’t go crazy, right?”

“No, sweetheart. It’s just a story to help describe what happens to lonely people.”