Comparison of themes in The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, and The Great Gatsty, by F.Scott Fitzgerald

The novella The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, has themes and characters which parallel some of those in The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. One of the main themes in both books is the empty pursuit of materialism and money in society. Both books also have characters who are similar and whose appearances give them trouble. Although the characters in The Metamorphosis and The Great Gatsby are thrown into different situations, the themes that are …

…sister does not believe that it's him inside the bug's body and pronounces her disbelief by saying "But how can it be Gregor?" (52). Gatsby's real identity is also questioned numerous times. Both characters are also in hopeless situations until the end, since Gregor is a bug and his conditions keep worsening and Gatsby's years of pursuit after Daisy leave him empty handed. Both characters die in the end, forgotten, and without having achieved their dreams.