From Provider to Outcast

In The Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa’s transformation into an insect is more than just physical; it marks a deep shift in his identity and his place in his family and society. Initially, Gregor is primarily defined by his family provider role. His first concern upon waking as an insect is still his work: “What an exhausting profession I've chosen” (Kafka 189). This shows how his identity is tightly bound to his job, and how his transformation challenges the foundation of his self-worth. As the story progresses, Gregor’s manager grows increasingly hostile. The general manager, eventually says, “You must go for the doctor now” (Kafka 195). This shift in his language reflects the growing dehumanization of Gregor. These people no longer see him as a person but as an inconvenience to be discarded. In this way, Gregor’s metamorphosis into an insect mirrors his emotional and social alienation. By the end of the story, Gregor has lost his ability to work, and his family has completely rejected him. His physical transformation symbolizes how he has been reduced to nothing more than an object, his humanity, family, and societal roles stripped away. Gregor is no longer a person who fits into his family, workplace, or society; he is an outcast, discarded once he can no longer contribute.