his parents’ debts. He did not like his job, but he continued it only for his family. Gregor sacrifices his happiness for his family’s comfort. He resents his job, saying,

“Oh, God... What a strenuous career it is that I’ve chosen!”

His father had lost his business, his mother was weak, and his sister Grete was still young.

Although Gregor sacrificed his own comfort for them, his family did not show much affection. He hardly had any social life or freedom. His only wish was to send Grete to the conservatory to study violin. This shows his caring heart. But even in this situation, Gregor’s life was already lonely because his family valued his money more than his feelings.

The Shock of Transformation: When Gregor wakes up and finds himself turned into an insect, the real truth of his family’s love is revealed. At first, they are shocked and frightened. His mother faints when she sees him. His father drives him back into his room with a stick. They do not even try to understand what Gregor feels inside.

Even though Gregor’s body changes, his mind and heart remain human. He thinks about getting to work and worries about his family’s finances. This shows his deep sense of duty. But his family sees only a monster. Kafka uses this change to symbolize how Gregor’s real identity and emotions were never truly seen, even before his transformation.

Growing Isolation and Family’s Neglect: As the days pass, Gregor becomes completely cut off from his family. Grete is the only one who shows some kindness in the beginning. She brings him food and cleans his room. But slowly, even she becomes tired. The family begins to see him as a burden.

They move furniture from his room to make space for him to crawl, but Gregor feels sad because it removes his last connection to his human life. His father attacks him with apples, one of which gets stuck in his back and causes great pain. His parents stop visiting him, and he listens to their conversations through the door. They talk about money and never about his feelings. This deepens his emotional pain.

Total Rejection and Death: Gregor’s alienation reaches its peak when Grete, his sister, declares that they must get rid of him. She says:

“It’ll be the death of both of you, I can see it coming.”

She no longer sees Gregor as her brother but as a burden. She refers to him as “it”. This line breaks Gregor’s heart. 

Gregor finally dies quietly in his room, alone and unwanted. When the family finds him dead, they feel relief instead of sadness. They even go out to enjoy the sunshine together. Through this ending, Kafka shows how society and even family can reject a person who cannot fit into their expectations.

In “The Metamorphosis,” Kafka uses Gregor’s change into an insect as a symbol of his emotional and social isolation. Before the transformation, Gregor was already alienated because his family saw him only as a source of money. After the transformation, this hidden truth becomes clear. He loses love, respect, and communication. His death is the final result of complete loneliness.