First published in 1915, the story of Gregor Samsa is that of a young
traveling salesman who lives with and financially supports his parents and
younger sister. One morning he wakes up to discover that during the night
he has been transformed into a "monstrous vermin" some kind of creature
which he no longer recognizes, nor can relate to those in his social
setting. While his first thoughts are regarding how he can take care of
his practical, everyday concerns: such as how to get out of bed, and walk
with his numerous legs' Can he still make it to his place of work in time'
His thoughts continue to center around the social responsibilities he
carries.
However, his focus, interests and tastes soon begin to change. No one
around him can understand his insect-speech. He is becoming one of the
vermin, and likes to scurry under the furniture and scrounge rotten scraps
of food. Gregor's family is terrified over what he has become. They keep
him in his bedroom and refuse to interact with him. Only his sister Grete,
someone who is close to him, demonstrates concern by bringing his food each
day.
The story has a tragic ending, as those who once were supported by
Gregor turn against him. One day, when he breaks out and scurries into the
living room, his father throws apples to fend off the monster. One of the
apples becomes embedded in his back, eventually rots, and passes the
infection to Gregor. When Gregor dies, the cleaning woman throws his
remains into the garbage.
In the modern world the evolution of a young adult to adult if filled
with many of the same fears illustrated by Gregor. As a young adult, my
goals are to become a productive part of the social order, build a career,
have and provide for an enjoyable lifestyle, etc. However, in the process,
I also do not want to become, and take the place of some of the
reprehensible creatures which I see in the public and business arena today....