An English Major Reads Metamorphosis

Written By Lisa Lerman

Studying business got my foot in the door of UMass Dartmouth. Becoming an English major made me stay. Many people asked me, “What kind of career can you have with an English major?”

A monarch butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, capturing the process of metamorphosis.

If I hadn’t been reading and analyzing literature, I may have missed studying a classic story that quickly became my favorite: Metamorphosis.

Published in 1915 by Franz Kafka, the book starts with a devastating discovery. The main character, Gregor Samsa, wakes up to see that he has turned into a bug.

How many times have we had a day where something devastating happens that changes our world? Unfortunately, these things happen. A sudden death, severe accident, or cancer diagnosis can change life forever.

Before turning into a bug, Gregor worked as a traveling salesman. He was the only breadwinner working outside the home. His mother, father, and sister relied on him for everything.

Typography artwork spelling “I CAN DO IT” with letters formed from motivational words, followed by the phrase “…PRACTICE IT TAKES.”

The story goes on to talk about Gregor’s family and their reactions to his new appearance. Gregor’s altered appearance impacts the whole family unit. Change is not a singular event. It’s a moment in time that touches every character. 

By the end of the book, the family changes in ways they do not expect.

This is what English majors do. They learn to carefully read and analyze text. According to J. Beal, “The value of the English major is clear. Students studying English develop the skills of reading closely, thinking critically, and writing effectively.” Beal made this observation and published his findings in 2020. His paper, The Value of the English Major Today, appeared in the academic journal, Humanities.

Hands writing and underlining the word “ENGLISH” in decorative black letters

An English major is well prepared and has many options after college. What can you do with an English major? Everything.

Just think of famous people who studied English in college, and you will see the many career options that are available. Graduating from college isn’t the ending, it’s just the beginning.

A stack of four vintage books with worn covers sits on a wooden table.

Here are just a few famous English majors and their careers.

  • Barbara Walters, journalist

  • Conan O-Brian, comedian

  • Michael Eisner, previous Disney CEO

  • Emma Watson, actor

  • Stephen King, author

  • Howard Cosel, sportscaster

  • Paul Simon, singer and songwriter

  • Mitt Romney, politician

As you can see English majors have many different choices for careers from writer and journalist to politician and songwriter.

Being an English major can change us in ways we cannot even imagine. So, how did I go from a business major to an English major? Maybe it was metamorphosis –  this time for good.

Lisa Lerman

Lisa Lerman is an author and pianist who lives in the Southcoast. She is a mother, grandmother, and wife who just started her own blog. She’s wanted to write since she was teenager but never made time for it. Now, in this season of life, she enjoys writing her own blog at lisalerman.blog and is in the process of writing a memoir about being a caregiver to someone with cancer.

Lisa has a bachelor’s from UMass Dartmouth in English, Rhetoric, and Communications. She is curious and enjoys reading and learning new things. She has lived in the Southcoast most of her life with no plans of leaving anytime soon. 

https://Lisalerman.blog
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