The Overcoat Aka Character Analysis

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In both “The Overcoat” and “The Metamorphosis”, Akaky and Gregor are defined by their job. When doing his job, Akaky “found an interesting, pleasant world for himself and his delight was reflected in his face” (924). Making copies is Akaky’s job and he really enjoys it. “In the office, not the slightest respect was shown him” (923). Akaky enjoys his job, but he is often mistreated in the workplace. His mistreatment in the office shows how Akaky is as a person. Akaky does not stand up for himself in the office. Unlike Akaky, Gregory does not enjoy his job. Gregor says, “‘If I didn’t hold back for my parents’ sake, I would have quit long ago, I would have marched up to the boss and spoken my piece from the bottom of my heart … once I’ve gotten the money together to pay off my parents’ debt to him’” (1084-1085). The only reason that Gregor works so much is because he is taking care of his family by paying off the debts that they have. Being a salesman is not what he wants to do, he just wants to be able to …show more content…

Akaky’s overcoat “collar shrank with every year, since it was used to patch other areas. And the patching, … made the overcoat baggy and ugly” (926). The coats of the others at the office party had “beaver collars and others with velvet lapels” (932). Compared to the coats of the others, Akaky’s coat is not nice. The description of the coats shows that they are a representation of their rank in society. Akaky wants to be able to fit into society, so after getting a new coat he attends a party. When Akaky wants to leave the party and goes for his overcoat. “He found his overcoat, which to his annoyance was lying on the floor, shook it, carefully removed every speck he could find on it” (933). Even with a nice coat, Akaky is isolated from society. Akaky tried to change his social life and got a new coat. This is unsustainable because Akaky cannot have a nice coat and love his job of a ninth class

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