There is a variation in language used by different characters in the performance. The lodgers for example are evidence of Berkoff’s use of juxtaposition whereby he uses a very contrasting language, with complex vocabulary. Berkoff chose to use this style of language as the lodgers are meant to represent society and so, for example, being able to complete the sentences of each other, they are implying the general thoughts of mainstream society, as if they are generalised thoughts and are on the minds of all. Their tone is sometimes quite aggressive and insinuates dominance over the family.
“We’re sticklers for order”
“Can’t bear slovenliness”
Berkoff, in his stage directions gave the option of the lodger being played by one actor as opposed to three, complying with the ignorance and totality of society however many people there are. This is one way in which the language is delivered to the audience and is very important to the way in which Berkoff chose to present Metamorphosis in an attempt to disconcert his audience from a typical visit to the theatre as he believed that theatre was too naturalistic.
A way in which he chose to destroy this naturalism was by the use of the third person. In doing so he made an effort to block the communication between the characters. Giving the audience a perspective that is not directly from a particular character such as a soliloquy would allow they cannot feel sympathetic or complacent and so by being presented the truth can begin to change their minds and form their own opinions. Berkoff also believes that by showing the audience the suffering of Gregor on stage they can therefore avoid it themselves.
“As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams”
“He found himself transformed into a gigantic insect”
“His numerous legs, which were pitifully thin…”
Another technique used in doing this through means of language is the use of direct address. This appears in individual speeches, called soliloquies. Unlike the use of the 3rd person, the audience is able to feel sympathy or shock in response to the words delivered by a particular character. It is also at a time when the audience is most vulnerable and allows them therefore to gain these reactions.
Gregor uses direct address on several occasions, signifying the theme of loneliness. He reflects on his situation and presents his monologue using pauses, which exemplify thoughtfulness and present the issue of isolation and the time in which he is given to reflect due to this. By using direct address, the actors are able to break down the “fourthwall”, meaning the audience was not simply a spectator, but instead became mentally involved in the issues presented.
“All I can see from the floor is a dab grey sky- I so much want to see my mother...Perhaps I’m too hideous ever to see her again”
On many occasions he addresses his own family and the fact that he is not heard enhances the theme of isolation felt day in day out by Gregor, locked up in his room with no means of communication with anyone.
“I’m not an animal, I can hear the music…stop playing, spit at these intruders, Greta, play only for me”
The adaptation relies heavily on the use of rhythmic speech, which proposes the image of the monotonous routinely life that Gregor leads. It also emphasizes the issue of time, for Gregor it slowly ticks by, as if in some effect not moving on. This in turn, once again, exemplifies the isolation and loneliness he feels. It is used quite mechanically with the family mimicking actions of their domestic life in time to the ticking. They are described in the stage directions as wax works, perhaps to suggest that without Gregor’s presence in the family as a money maker they are in some way living an artificial existence with no purpose but to throw orders at Gregor. The use of rhythm allows language to exist in the form of a variety of monotonous orders and needs. They family chant in a paced chant Gregor’s meaning to them.
“Gregor”
“Cash”
Gregor”
“Shoes”
Language plays an important role in constructing the different types of characters, a sense of time and a variety of dramatic techniques encouraging audience response.
