"The Metamorphosis" is definitely an appropriate title for Franz Kafka's novella. At first, the story seems to be confusing and ridiculous, but toward the end of the story, the true meaning of the tale becomes clearer. Each character goes through a certain transformation. For Gregor, that transformation is into an insect, while his family transforms into harder working folk. All the trouble Gregor had gone through in order to provide for his family was unappreciated, and perhaps his transformation was a necessary sacrifice for the family to survive.
             It is obviously a metaphorical device Kafka uses when Gregor is transformed into an insect. This way to serve as a symbol. Generally, insects are industrious creatures who lead simple lives wherein they have one basic task that they must carry out. Gregor has been working as a traveling agent, and he has not missed a single day of work in five years. He knows that his family is in a severe debt, and he has set his mind to paying it off. As Gregor works more and more, he becomes less attached to his parents. Gregor has sacrificed going out, having friends, and having time for himself in order to give his family a better life. Meanwhile, the Samsa family just sits around at their home and wait for Gregor to provide.
             Once Gregor is no longer human and thus unable to provide, the second "metamorphosis" begins to take place. All three other members of his family must now get jobs. His father comes out of retirement to work as a bank messenger. He can no longer be the "couch potato" he had been for the past five years. In order to earn additional money, his mother does all she can, sewing clothes to later sell. Lastly, possibly the character who changed the most is Grete takes a job as a salesgirl. Prior to Gregor's transformation, Grete was described as being lazy, sleeping late, and not doing much. Now she matures and takes on responsi...