Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a gigantic bettle-like insect. But his first thought is that he will be late for work.

In this absurd tale, Kafka portrays a person feeling alienated and isolated. The character Gregor Samsa is the sole breadwinner of his family, but when he becomes unable to leave his room and provide for his family, the relationship becomes sour. Gregor becomes a disgrace and burden to his family. His family begins to feel humiliated because of him and starts to detest him.

This tale uses symbolism to illustrate how people with physical and mental disabilities are frequently viewed as burdens. People become outsiders in their own homes. Their family begins to feel ashamed of them and slowly begins to think it would be better if the sick person were dead. In this harrowing and moving tale written more than a hundred years ago, Kafka portrays existentialism exceptionally well. This is a story that is relevant to this day. 

– Ariana