Is The Feeling Of Being a Social Outcast Universal

Categories: The Metamorphosis

Many people are inclined to change their thoughts, feelings, tendencies, or even beliefs to fit an unspoken “moral code”. People that don’t act or look the same as the vast majority are pegged as outcasts. We have all experienced the feeling of being an outcast, whether it’s being the new kid at school or a traveler in a foreign country, average people become outcasts for a short time until they adapt to their new situations. Others, however, may always feel like a social outcast.

For example, those with a speech impediment or illness may find it physically impossible to conform to the popular moral code. Others still may find it mentally impossible to change themselves in order to fit in. Universally, the socially constructed feeling of being an outcast in common.

Being a social outcast is universal because some people feel the need to fit in. In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the main character Gregor Samsa feels the necessity to provide for his family and fit in with the rest of society.

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He goes to work every day even though he hates his job just to make his family happy. On page 138, Gregor thinks to himself, 'what a demanding job I've chosen! Day in, day out, on the road. The stresses of selling are much greater than the work going on at head office, and, in addition to that, I have to cope with the problems of travelling, the worries about train connections, irregular bad food, temporary and constantly changing human relationships which never come from the heart.

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To hell with it all!' Many people including Gregor would choose the well being of others over their own happiness because they want to fit in and be loved. When Gregor is unable to work due to his unfortunate transformation, he is immediately outcasted by his family. The same outcome would be true if someone in society suddenly wasn’t able to benefit their community.

The feeling of being a social outcast is also universal because average people enjoy fitting in. Worldwide, most people seek acceptance within their family and friends. For example, throughout his life, Kafka received no support from his family in his career path. His father wouldn’t even accept “author” as a legitimate profession. At the beginning of The Metamorphosis, Gregor tries to do everything within his power to be able to go back to work to provide for his family. On page 140 Kafka wrote, “First he wanted to stand up quietly and undisturbed, get dressed, above all have breakfast, and only then consider further action, for—he noticed this clearly—by thinking things over in bed he would not reach a reasonable conclusion.” This proves that Gregor cares more about fitting back in over his own happiness. When one doesn’t receive the validation they are seeking, they feel outcasted. Many people will go to extreme lengths to regain social acceptance.

Around the world, the majority of people want to fit in with society and will take desperate measures to ensure they keep a certain status. People also need to fit in either for their own survival, or more commonly for the survival of those around them. The traits that seem to seem different cause individuals to be outcasted in society across the globe.

Updated: Feb 02, 2024
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Is The Feeling Of Being a Social Outcast Universal. (2024, Feb 09). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/is-the-feeling-of-being-a-social-outcast-universal-essay

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