The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines existentialism, in part, as "a philosophical theory which...emphasizes the existence of the individual person …determining one’s own development through the person’s actions.” will." Existentialist works emphasize the importance of the fact that the individual often denies "the existence of objective values." Existentialism focuses on choice, as well as the idea that people must exist before they can have values. Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis uses Gregor Samsa's struggle against existentialist principles, as well as the consequences surrounding Gregor's actions against existentialist principles, to present a primarily existentialist theme. measure on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayJean-Paul Sartre was the pioneering philosopher of the existentialist movement which asserted that “existence preceded essence” and rejected the ideas of older philosophers according to which humans had a determinate nature Human essence refers to “…ideas that [are] eternal and immutable,” such as those a person might obtain by following a religion. Aristotle believed that the essence of humanity was reason, and that it was reason that separated humans from animals. Sartre argued that humans have no predisposition to any kind of being and that existence in a purely physical way comes first in human priorities. In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow hypothesized that humans have a set of priorities based on their needs. This theory is commonly called Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This hierarchy described physiological needs, such as those related to food, water, and basic bodily functions, as the most important. The theory also states that needs higher in the hierarchy, for example friendships and family relationships, cannot be satisfied until the hierarchical levels below those needs are satisfied (Noltemeyer, 1). Maslow's hierarchy of needs is existentialist in nature because humans must meet physical needs to exist, before they can have any sort of philosophy, such as a religion or an essence. In The Metamorphosis, Gregor violates Maslow's hierarchy of needs after his transformation, thus violating existentialist principles. Characteristics of existentialism in "The Metamorphosis". Gregor Samsa's attitude regarding going to work after his transformation is an example of existentialism due to the consequences that result when he fights. the concept of “existence before essence” of existentialism. Confronted with his transformation, Gregor immediately attempts to get back to work, although he has transformed into “monstrous vermin” (Kafka, 1). Instead of trusting his nature and ensuring that his needs as a living being, which are now different from those Gregor had before his transformation, are met; Gregor attempts to go to work out of obligation to the needs of a family member. Gregor violates Maslow's theory of the hierarchy of needs and attempts to satisfy the needs for love and belonging which are satisfied when he supports his family before satisfying his own physiological needs. These actions go directly against the nature of existentialism and therefore cause Gregor physical harm and emotional distress (18, 19). Due to the consequences of violating the nature of existentialism, The Metamorphosis can be classified as existentialist becausewhen Gregor's actions violate the principles of existentialism, the consequences are negative. Existentialism focuses on choice as one of the defining aspects of human existence. The “freedom to choose” was at the heart of human existence and was what differentiated humans from other animals. Humans are solely responsible for their choices, as well as the consequences surrounding those choices. Sartre believed that almost all choices involve more than one option and always result in more than one outcome to a situation. He also claimed that man's choices always lead to negativity because hindsight gives humans the ability to see the possible consequences of choices they did not make. Sartre believed that blaming an outside source for a negative consequence of one's actions, or claiming that the choice made was the only choice available, is to act in "bad faith" and is "a form of self-deception and inauthenticity ". Sartre also claimed that humans are naturally anxious about these choices and that each choice made was a reflection of humanity as a whole (Fiero, 70). The existentialist principles of choice and “existence before essence” coincide in the sense that the choices humans make begin to give way to essences that humans do not inherently have. These choices not only give way to a person's essence, but define what essence they possess. In The Metamorphosis, Gregor attempts to violate the coupling of these existentialist principles and having an “essence” before choosing to act one way or another. Gregor's situation before his transformation in The Metamorphosis is an example of existentialism because Gregor's choice to provide for his family instead of doing what he wants results in negative consequences that he can only see. once your choice is made. Gregor's family does not work and relies solely on him to pay the family debt (Kafka, 4). The other members of Gregor's family have the potential to work, but none do and Gregor chooses to work to support his family members (Quote). Only the obligation to provide for his family, and therefore his interpersonal needs, compels Gregor to work. Although it could be argued that Gregor supports his family because he has to, Gregor actually supports his family because he chooses to. This choice leads to Gregor's pain. Not only does Gregor suffer physically because of the abuse his family inflicted on him, but his physiology suffers as well. Gregor no longer leaves his room, does not eat and spends his days in agony (43). The Metamorphosis is existentialist because Gregor's choice to support his family ultimately leads to negative consequences, and although a traditional way of thinking would view Gregor's support of his family as something he must do, it is in reality something he chooses to do, therefore suffering from the result. When Gregor goes against another existentialist principle, the consequences are negative. Existentialism places the most power in the individual, and The Metamorphosis is an existentialist work because it shows how the lack of individualism leads to demise. Gregor loses his individuality after his transformation. He is no longer able to do the things he loves to do or provide for his family. At the beginning of the story, Gregor frames a picture of an advertisement of a pretty girl in a homemade frame, which he likes to do (1). Gregor doesn't do much, but his hobby of chopping wood is something he enjoys. Gregor's only goal in life is to earn enough money to support his family and pay off his debts.