Franz Kafka can be noted as the originator of the theme of alienation in the twentieth century. Throughout the century, as society evolved and began to disassociate itself from community and family values, Kafka's theme became all the more prevalent. However his piece Metamorphosis is said to have evolved from unique personal interactions that created an unimaginable alienation. A Czech in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a German-speaker among Czechs, a Jew among German-speakers, a disbeliever among Jews, Kafka had no place to enjoy in society. In addition he could not find refuge in his personal life. He was alienated from his pragmatic and overbearing father, from his bureaucratic job, even from the opposite sex--Kafka nowhere found a comfortable fit. This translates itself to much of his literature; in particular Metamorphosis allegorizes the most common sight of conflict befitting modern man.
             The novella chiefly concerns itself with the character Gregor Samsa. He awakens one morning to find that he has been inexplicably transformed into a giant insect. In keeping with Kafka's detached style that permeates the entire piece, the author is sure to emphasize the fact that he has also slept late. Gregor's parents and his sister Grete try to rouse him so he can make it to his dreary job as a traveling salesman. The family depends on him for its livelihood. Gregor, however, is now a bug. When a clerk from his company comes to demand an explanation for his absence, Gregor makes a great effort to open the bedroom door and show himself. This sends the terrified clerk tearing down the stairwell and Gregor's family into shock.
             Grete, more than his father or mother, handles the situation practically. Gregor is fed, and his room is cleaned. Before long, however, economic reality requires all three to find work, and less attention is paid to Gregor--except when he gets out of his room. No one in the family is fully able to rec...