Plot Summary: The story follows Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, who awakens to find himself transformed into a giant insect, typically interpreted as a cockroach.
Significance: The novella is regarded as one of Kafka's most influential works.
Key Plot Points
Transformation
Gregor Samsa: Wakes up as a giant insect.
Initial Reaction: Examines his body, unable to turn over; reflects on his stressful job due to a tyrannical supervisor.
Financial Burden: Cannot quit his job until he repays his parents' debt.
Family and Work Conflict
Missed Alarm: Realizes he is late for work.
Family's Concern: His mother, father, and sister Greta attempt to check on him.
Supervisor's Visit: Appears to check on Gregor; Gregor's parents plead his case.
Communication Issues
Speech: Gregor's voice is distorted, making communication difficult.
Open the Door: Eventually manages to unlock the door with great difficulty.
Reaction to Transformation: Supervisor flees; Gregor's father drives him back into the room, injuring him.
Adaptation to New Form
Dietary Changes: Repulsed by milk and bread, but eats rotten scraps happily.
Isolation: Family does not speak directly to him; listens through the door.
Financial Concerns: Family struggles financially without his income.
Changes in Family Dynamics
Furniture Removal: Greta and the mother attempt to make room for Gregor by removing furniture.
Strained Relationships: Gregor's presence is distressing; Greta begins to turn away.
Escalation
Confrontation with Father: Father throws apples at Gregor, injuring him.
Family's Exhaustion: Overworked and neglectful, the family grows distant.
Decline and Decision
Lodgers Move In: Family takes in lodgers, further isolating Gregor.
Greta's Ultimatum: Suggests the family needs to get rid of Gregor.
Gregor's Realization: Understands he must leave his family.
Conclusion
Gregor's Death: Dies alone and unappreciated.
Family's Reaction: Mourns briefly, then moves forward with life, feeling relieved and hopeful about Greta's future.
Themes and Analysis
Alienation and Isolation: Central to Gregor's experience post-transformation.
Family Responsibility: Explores the burdens of financial and familial duty.
Metamorphosis and Identity: Examines changes in self and perception by others.
Dehumanization: Gregor's transformation parallels societal and familial rejection.
Symbolism
Insect Form: Represents Gregor's perceived worthlessness and alienation.
Locked Doors: Symbolize barriers in communication and connection.
Apples: Injurious apple symbolizes the family's betrayal.
Critical Reception
Widely praised for its narrative and philosophical depth.
Continues to be studied academically for its themes of absurdity and existentialism.