Dagmar a secret plan of his that

Dagmar Lorenz states, in Kafka and Gender, that “Kafka explores the full range of male gender stereotypes, including the unheroic, irresolute, and effeminate configuration” of men (176, Lorenz). Kafka usually had men as the protagonist in his novels and they were usually stereotyped and followed the male gender role. An example of this would be Gregor’s mentality and pressure to conform to a male dominant society. When waking up only to see himself transformed into a large bug, Gregor worries more about  is his inability to work and earn money than him being a large insect. Also, Gregor had to supported his family’s upper middle-class lifestyle, and was  proud of his power and dominance in the Samsa household; stating that “he felt great pride for the fact that he had been able to provide such a life for his parents and sister in such a fine flat” (89, Kafka).  Gregor’s nonchalance about his physical transformation and more worry for his family’s dependence on him further shows Gregor’s acceptance into the male gender role. Gregor’s transformation also threatens his dominant role as the ‘breadwinner’ of the family. Gregor’s family, especially his sister, Grete, is dependent on him for financial and materialistic support. Gregor understand their need and endeavours to meet those need. For instance, Gregor “had earned so much money that he was able to meet the expenses of the whole household and … it was a secret plan of his that his sister, who loved music, should be sent next year to study at the Conservatorium”(96, Kafka). Gregor once again fits into the male gender role while Grete conforms to the female gender role. She depends on Gregor to conduct her future and leaves it completely dependent on Gregor’s actions and income. But, Gregor’s transformation changes this dynamic and gives Grete an opportunity to gain dominance in the household.