The Metamorphosis (novella)

*The Metamorphosis* by Franz Kafka is a novella about Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning transformed into a large insect. The story explores his physical and emotional suffering as he grapples with his new identity and the reactions of his family. As Gregor becomes increasingly isolated, his family’s attitude shifts from concern to resentment, highlighting themes of alienation, identity, and existential anxiety. The narrative depicts how societal and familial obligations can strip away individual dignity, ultimately illustrating the isolating effects of how others perceive and treat someone in a state of vulnerability.