3 Review(s)

Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis tells the unsettling story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect-like creature. As Gregor struggles to adapt to his new body and the loss of his humanity, his family is initially horrified but resolves to care for him out of a sense of duty. However, their patience and compassion quickly erode as Gregor becomes a burden, and his physical state deteriorates alongside his family’s emotional connection to him.The novella explores themes of alienation, the loss of identity, and the dehumanizing effects of societal and familial expectations. Gregor’s transformation serves as a metaphor for his prior existence—he was already trapped in a monotonous and unfulfilling life, valued only for his ability to provide for his family. Ultimately, Gregor dies alone, and his family expresses relief, seeing his death as a chance to rebuild their lives. Kafka’s work offers a haunting critique of modern life, emphasizing the fragility of human relationships and the existential struggle for meaning.