Gregor's Pops

The change that occurs on Gregor's father in The Metamorphosis is very interesting. From the beginning of the book, it is clear that Gregor and his fathers relationship isn't quite normal. "Because he was in danger of losing his job, and because the head of the firm would start pestering his parents about those old debts?" I don't think it is typical for a child to pay his fathers debts. And even though Gregor is helping his father, it is not as if his father seems impressed. "'The chief clerk has arrived and wants to know why you didn't leave by the early train. We don't know what to tell him.'"

When Gregor makes his transformation, many things begin to change in his life. But one change that stands out most to me, is his fathers change. From Gregor's perspective, we readers get the idea that his father was kind of weak, and lazy."the same man who used to lie wearily sunk in bed whenever Gregor set out on one pf his business trips; who was always reclining in the armchair in his dressing-gown when he greeted him on his return in the evening; who was actually hardly capable of getting to his feet". But the first time we see Gregor's emerge as a bug to his family, his father automatically reacts with violence. This violence and drive take Gregor by surprise, because it isn't something he hasn't seen in his father for a while. We notice Gregor's father taking initiative at the family meetings, and going out to find a job. Then later when Gregor is once again chased violently by his father, . This is something that is surprising, and yet, somehow positive to Gregor.

I think that Gregor's change made his father realize his own worth. I think it is sometimes easy to be lazy when there is someone around to take advantage of. Especially in this situation where Gregor may not even have felt that he was being taken advantage of in the first place. But now that the family can no longer be dependent on Gregor. The father has somehow found his misplaced strength. I can't wait to see how the father's drive will develop as the story continues.

Brett's Gender-fluid qualities in The Sun Also Rises

In The Sun Also Rises, we are often reminded of the confusing relationship between Brett and Jake. We see that they love each other "'Don't you love me?' 'Love you? I simply turn all to jelly when you touch me.'" but because of Jake's injury it won't ever work out between them. We also see that Jake desperately attempts to get over Brett numerous times in the novel. "'Were you ever in love with her?' 'Sure.' 'For how long.' 'Off and on for a hell of a long time.' 'Oh hell! I'm Sorry fella.' 'It's all right,' I said. 'I don't give a damn anymore.'" But, the book never discussed the initial spark between Brett and Jake. We know that they met in the hospital where Jake was treated for his injury. And there is where their love for each other blossomed. What attracted Jake to Brett?

I believe that the constant struggle with gender between the two characters may have been what sparked their love. Throughout the book Jake is constantly attempting to assure his masculinity. Because his injury in the war, he is struggling to find his manhood. In some ways that affects his gender, in turn,  makes him want to feel more secure as a man. This I believe is where his relationship with Brett may come from. She is a woman, and Jake is no doubt aware of her feminine qualities. "She was built with curves like the hull of a racing yacht, and you missed none of it with that wool jersey." But, Brett is also a character who likes to play with her gender identity. A lot of the characteristics in Brett's appearance could be considered androgynous. Specifically her short hair cut, but also the things she wears. "She pulled her men's felt hat down and started for the bar." Additionally, Brett acts in a certain way that (20th century) society would not consider appropriate for a woman. One example is her relationship with many, and it seems mostly, men. Also her affection towards drinking. 

Because of Jake's want for masculinity, I believe that Brett's masculine qualities appeal to him.  I also think her confidence in her gender is also probably reassuring to Jake about his identity. Though the book may never mention these ideas, I do think they are worthwhile to explore.