We are defined in life by the series of transformations we undergo. In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the main character, Gregor, experiences a transformation from man to insect. In The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, the main character, Louise, goes from married woman to free woman when she feels like her husband has died. A common theme in both stories is the relationship between mind and body. Kafka suggests that the mind can remain the same, despite changes in the body, while Chopin suggests that the mind and body are intimately linked. From the perspective of the other characters in the story, the state of Gregor's mind is far less important than his outward appearance. . Despite the fact that Gregor provided for his family, once transformed it becomes clear that he was only valued for his earnings. Gregor's family stiffened at the thought of having to return the favor and chose not to see beyond his exterior. To elaborate, Gregor's sister Grete degrades Gregor, implying that he is less than human, when she points out that "human beings cannot live with such a creature" (Kafka 134) and refers later to this creature as to an “it” (Kafka 134). 134). Likewise, tenants who reside with “a neighbor like Gregor next door” (Kafka 131) often associated him with filth, overlooking Gregor's state of mind. Unlike the other characters' attitude towards Gregor, Kafka proposes that the state of mind is not linked to the body and shows this through Gregor's own experience. Gregor's mind swirls with confusion with what is a completely human and realistic reaction in an unrealistic scenario. Gregor's own body repels him when he sees "its many legs... in the middle of a paper... in the form of death, either by Brently or by Louise." During “The Metamorphosis,” Kafka suggests that the mind is independent of the body, while Chopin continually reiterates how the mind and body dictate each other. However, as both authors end their stories in the form of death, they destroy the idea that the spirit can continue its journey, separate from that of the body. The sources of struggle between the two characters are different. It is impossible for Gregor to satisfy his family's demands while it is impossible for Louise to remain married or single; for both characters, the last and only viable transformation is death. Works Cited Chopin, Kate. “The story of an hour.” The Complete Works of Kate Chopin (1969): pp.352-354. Print.Kafka, Franz. “The Metamorphosis”. Franz Kafka: The Complete Histories (1971): pp.89-139. Print.