The Metamorphosis and Other Stories

Metamorphosis is Kafka's most famous story. In it he explores the notions of alienation and human loneliness by means of his extraordinary narrative technique and depth of imagination. Gregor Samsa awakens one morning to find himself transformed into a repulsive bug. Trapped inside this hideous form, his mind remains unchanged – until he sees the shocked reaction of those around him and begins to question the basis of human love and, indeed, his entire purpose in existence. But this, it seems, is only the beginning of his ordeal.