Summary
Highlights
Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, awakens to find he has transformed into a monstrous insect. He struggles to get out of bed and communicate with his family and his boss, the manager, who has come to inquire about his absence from work. His family and the manager are horrified by Gregor's appearance, and his father violently forces him back into his room.
Gregor adapts to his new body, discovering he can crawl on walls and ceilings. His sister, Grete, takes on the role of his caretaker, bringing him food and cleaning his room, though she too struggles with his appearance. The family's financial situation becomes dire, forcing them to take on jobs and rent out a room, gradually leading to further neglect and resentment towards Gregor.
Gregor becomes severely wounded when his father throws an apple at him. He grows weaker and increasingly isolated, barely eating. The family's lodgers discover Gregor, leading to their immediate departure. Grete, now completely disgusted, declares that they must get rid of him. Overwhelmed by his pain and the realization of his family's burden, Gregor dies. The cleaning woman discovers his body, and the family, relieved, looks forward to a new future.