is is in that of self-desire. Gregor may not have realized what he wanted in life, but the unsettling dreams he has are a sign to his troubled life. This way, he can express what he is feeling and show a layer to him that is concealed (Sokel 151-52). Apparently, the most important metamorphosis seems to be that of Gregor, but he is not the only one that changes. Most of the members of the family reach an epiphany later in the story, especially with Grete.
             The next three themes can be found in a symbol to be discussed later. The first of this group of themes is power. Power is both held and relinquished at different times of the short story. The reader learns that before Gregor turned into a beetle, he was the official "man of the house;" he earned the money that was used for food, clothing, and shelter. The parents had gotten into deep debt and Gregor was used to appease the boss of the company. However, as soon as Gregor mutates, he loses complete authority in the household. Surprisingly, the child of the household, Gregor's sister, Grete, finds the strength, mentally, physically, and emotionally, to deal with her brother in his misshapen form. "When she caught sight of him under the sofa...she was so startled that without being able to help it she slammed the door shut again. But as if regretting her behavior she opened the door again immediately and came in on tiptoe" (Kafka 974). Grete also helps her mother to try to gain th!
             e confidence and proper mentality to be in Gregor's room. Yet, that is also difficult for her. She is stereotyped as a lady and never earned any control in the family. The father, however, reclaims his position. He no longer stays at home to sleep and complete nothing; he leaves the house to find a job to erase the debt that he caused.
             The second of this group of themes is wisdom. Gregor is the omnipresent narrator who understands the scenes outside of his door, even tho...