The Metamorphosis

Many kinds of metamorphoses take place in The Metamorphosis. The initial change in form—Gregor's, from man to vermin—takes place in the first sentence. However, Gregor's family also undergoes changes. For example, Mr. Samsa's first glimpse of Gregor's new form transforms him into a hissing, menacing man who had "no longer the voice of only a single father" (16). Mr. Samsa's transformation continues when Gregor's inability to work forces Mr. Samsa, who's become fat and sedentary during his unemployment, to don a uniform and work in a banking office. Before Gregor's change, Mr. Samsa had spent most of his time confined to his armchair. After Gregor dies, Mr. Samsa seems to gain more authority as a patriarch, taking his "wife on one arm and his daughter on the other" (46) and evicting the lodgers. 

Grete also undergoes a change. She begins the novella as Gregor's beloved younger sister, whom he hopes to send "next year to the conservatory, regardless of the great expense" (23). Grete is the only family member who shows Gregor any compassion, bringing him food and tidying his room. Later, Grete begins working as a salesgirl and has less time for Gregor.