The Metamorphosis
A Play
"MRS. SAMSA
I shall
say something to
the maid about the eggs.
But don’t you think that Gregor works
too hard?
MR. SAMSA
He is
a good boy, they
take advantage of him.
His boss has a very hard heart,
like flint.
He gets up at
Four to catch the train at
Five o’clock and if a salesman
is not
on it by then
a person from the firm
reports it to the manager
and he
could be finished!
(GREGOR turns over onto his hands and knees and holds his head with both hands while the FIDDLER plays “groaning” music.)
Traveling salesmen at
other firms live like Harem girls,
up at
ten and having
breakfast when Gregor
is writing down his morning sales.
He has
told it to me,
That very thing, himself!
MRS. SAMSA
I wish
he could leave that
wretched, oppressive firm.
GRETE SAMSA
But, but...
Mother, have you
forgotten about my
costly lessons on the violin?
How could
we afford them?
MR. SAMSA
To say
nothing of our
loan to his firm. No, I
am afraid he must continue
there for
five or six years,
there really is nothing
that can be done about it now.
Besides,
it is useful
training for a young man.
And a good recommendation
will not
be dismissed with
slight regard, lightly, by
Another firm. Certainly it
will be
given great weight.
He is building up his
contacts. That is the main idea
in sales.
(GREGOR nods “yes” and the fiddle again groans)
Put thoughts
of his leaving
out of your mind. It is
impossible!
MRS. SAMSA
Of course
you are right, but...
MR. SAMSA
“But?” No
‘but’s’ about it!
MRS. SAMSA
But...but
you see it is
now after six-thirty...
MR. SAMSA
Of course
it is after
six-thirty, what of it?
MRS. SAMSA
Gregor
Hasn’t left yet..."