»Diese ernsten Herren…« The solution to the riddle of the three lodgers in Kafka’s Die Verwandlung

Abstract

The role, meaning and function of the three Zimmerherren in Kafka’s Die Verwandlung continue to prove enigmatic, with scholars failing to offer a convincing interpretation of these characters. This fact is striking, particularly due to the prominent role of the three figures and their subsequent relevance to any interpretation of the text. The present article provides a simple and consistent solution to the apparent riddle by interpreting the lodgers as allegorical figures of the moral consciences of Gregor Samsa’s three relatives (father, mother and sister). It also argues that this solution constitutes a point of departure for a comprehensive and illuminating reading of the whole text, thereby defying deep-rooted assumptions in the guild of Kafka criticism.