Keyword Guide · book-summary
This quick summary explains the plot, characters, and ideas in Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. Use it to prepare for class discussion, quizzes, or a short essay.
The story follows Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up transformed into a giant insect. Unable to work, he becomes isolated in his room while his family struggles financially and emotionally. Over time, Gregor’s presence burdens his parents and sister, leading to neglect and rejection. The story ends with Gregor’s death and the family’s sense of relief and renewed hope.
Gregor Samsa is responsible and self-sacrificing, defined by duty even after his transformation. Grete, his sister, initially cares for him but grows resentful as pressures increase. Mr. and Mrs. Samsa depend on Gregor’s income and respond with fear and shame, showing limited empathy.
The novella explores alienation, identity, and the dehumanizing effects of work. Family obligation and conditional love play a central role, as care fades when Gregor is no longer useful. Kafka also highlights how society treats those who are different or unproductive.
For essays, connect Gregor’s transformation to the theme of alienation rather than focusing on the cause. In quizzes, remember the family’s changing attitudes over time. For discussions, ask whether Gregor changes internally or only how others see him.
It is about isolation and how a person’s value is judged by usefulness to family and society.
They lose financial security and begin to see Gregor as a burden rather than a family member.
Most readers see it as symbolic of alienation and loss of identity, even though it happens literally in the story.
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