The Metamorphosis

Summary

Gregor Samsa, a hardworking traveling salesman, wakes up one morning to find himself inexplicably transformed into a "monstrous vermin". As he struggles to adapt to his new, segmented body and multiple twitching legs, the story shifts from his physical shock to the devastating emotional and social consequences of his change. Confined to his bedroom, Gregor becomes a burden to his family, who initially feel pity but quickly succumb to resentment, disgust, and financial panic. Kafka’s masterpiece is a profound exploration of isolation, the absurdity of the human condition, and the fragile nature of family loyalty. Readers will find a haunting, surreal narrative that questions what truly makes us human and how quickly we are discarded when we can no longer contribute to society. It is a dark, essential classic that remains one of the most influential works of the 20th century.