The Metamorphosis (Kafka)

"The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka is a novella about Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who awakens one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. The story explores themes of alienation, guilt, and the dehumanizing effects of modern life. As Gregor's physical transformation isolates him from his family and society, it highlights how societal expectations and personal identity can conflict, leading to feelings of helplessness and despair. Kafka's work uses this surreal change to examine the fragility of human dignity and the often impersonal nature of human existence.