How Gran Torino Demonstrates the Outsider

Outsiders fall into internal and external conflict with themselves and society, regardless of whether they are excluded by choice. This conflict is recurringly examined throughout texts highlighting outsiders through a variety of themes and symbols. Studying the major ideas of texts such as Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino or Franz Kafka's metamorphosis allow us to dissect and compare how these themes create personal and extended conflicts for The Outsider on which the text is based on.
Gran Torino directed by Clint Eastwood in 2009 details the story of a racist Korean war veteran who is disgusted by modern society, and grows to love his Asian neighbours. Metamorphosis written in 1915 tells the story of a young man who awakes to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect, and is thus exiled.
Both texts detail the theme of economic effects on familial relationships, and how the create conflicts with the outsider. Walt is disgusted by the attitude of his family towards him, and therefore alienates himself from them. There is a close up shot of Walt spitting at the feet of his granddaughter when she asks what he will do with his Gran Torino when he dies. He is a lot less well off than his family, dressed in intentionally provocative costuming, his granddaughter in rich skimpy leather jackets, His son in a Rolex watch and sunglasses. Walt becomes an outsider to his family by refusing to indulge in the luxuries they possess. Eventually the family gives up on him "Screw him then, you can't say we didn't try".   Similarly in Metamorphosis Gregor is forced into becoming an economic outsider. "Once I have the money to pay off my parents debt i'll make my big break".   Gregor is treated as a source of income and not as a family member. This is why the family create such a conflict following his metamorphosis, as he is no longer able to earn.   Gregor talks about   "What a strenuous career it is that I've chosen! Travelling day in and day out." This use of irony conveys his...