The character Gregor Samsa's in the book “Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka symbolizes change, in which he gets transformed into a large insect. Change literally means to make or do something in a different manner to get a new result. However the central theme of the masterpiece “The Metamorphosis” is change.
What does Gregor's metamorphosis symbolize?
Gregor's transformation is a symbol of how he has been dehumanized by his job and family. He is treated more like an insect than a human being, so he becomes an insect. His new outward form represents how he feels on the inside. Gregor hates his job: like an ant, he endlessly toils at stressful, unsatisfying labor.
What is the deeper meaning of The Metamorphosis?
The deeper meaning behind The Metamorphosis is connected to the themes of alienation, identity, compassion, and the absurd. While the story itself is about a man who randomly turns into a giant insect, deeper analysis shows the reader that Kafka is exploring the absurdity of life and the human condition.