How old is Grete in Metamorphosis?

In Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, Grete Samsa is seventeen years old.

Grete plays a pivotal role in the narrative as the younger sister of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa. Her age highlights her transition from adolescence to young adulthood during the challenging period following Gregor's transformation.

Grete Samsa: Role and Significance

As Gregor's condition deteriorates, Grete initially takes on the primary responsibility of caring for him. This role signifies a significant shift in her life, forcing her to mature rapidly.

Key aspects of Grete's role include:

• Initial Caregiver: Grete is the only family member who initially shows compassion and takes on the task of feeding and cleaning Gregor's room.
• Musician: She is depicted as a talented violin player, a detail that emphasizes her youth and aspirations before the family's financial distress.
• Evolving Relationship: Over time, her patience and empathy wane, culminating in her advocating for Gregor's removal from the household. This evolution reflects the immense strain placed upon the family and her own desire for normalcy and a future.

Character Overview

To summarize Grete's age and relationship within the Samsa family:

Grete's age underscores her vulnerability and her forced emergence into a more responsible and hardened character, ultimately leading to her instrumental role in the tragic resolution of the story.