Life as a Bug

We can see, then, that the metaphor of Gregor’s transformation into a dung beetle expresses his lack of humanness. Kafka creates this outrageous story in order to clearly portray what a dehumanizing life Gregor has, and how it ultimately leads to his sorrowful death. But, over the months, the Samsa family grows more and more disgusted with Gregor’s presence till once evening Grete breaks down, crying “We must find a way to get rid of it … it must go!” (Kafka p. 219) as though the family expects and even demands Gregor’s selflessness. Throughout the story Gregor expresses no strong emotion about his family, his work, or his life in general. Yet Gregor, though only a bug, is faithful and loving towards his family till the end, relishing every contact with them, such as when his sister plays the violin. 238/239) Gregor, finally realizing that no one has ever or will ever treat him with any respect, love, or kindness, painfully crawls back into his room and dies completely alone. Gregor’s metamorphosis draws immediate attention to alienation and degradation in Gregor’s life, and raises important issues about family and society.

After his transformation, Gregor’s family continues to treat him horribly, locking him alone in his room. His only companion is a framed picture of a beautiful woman, and he values it so much that it is the first thing that he wants to salvage when his sister attempts to remove the furniture from his room. 241) And the Samsa family, now rid of the horrible stain that was Gregor, gaily goes off for a picnic in the countryside.