The Metamorphosis - Detailed Plot Summary

 

🛌 Awakening as an Insect

One morning, Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, wakes from uneasy dreams to discover he's been transformed into a giant insect. Unable to control his new body, he panics about missing work and what to tell his employer.

🚪 Family and the Manager Arrive

His family grows anxious, knocking on his door. A manager from his company visits to check on him. Gregor understands them, but he can no longer speak intelligibly. When he finally opens the door, his grotesque appearance horrifies everyone.

 

😱 Revealed as a Monster

The manager flees, his mother faints, and his father drives him back into the room with a cane and newspaper. Gregor becomes isolated in his room, emotionally and physically separated from his family.

🍽️ A Lonely Existence

His sister, Grete, brings him food. At first she offers milk and bread, but Gregor prefers spoiled leftovers. She adapts. The family begins to work again to make ends meet. Gregor’s room grows filthy, neglected.

🪑 Stripping the Room

One day, his mother and sister move furniture out of his room. Afraid of losing his last connections to humanity, Gregor tries to save a beloved picture. His mother faints again; his father throws an apple at him, embedding it in his back. It causes him great pain and infection.

🥼 Gregor Weakens

Gregor grows frail. A new cleaning lady is hired who shows little empathy. The family takes in boarders who demand cleanliness and order. Gregor hides constantly.

🎵 The Final Music

One evening, Grete plays violin for the boarders. Drawn by the music, Gregor emerges, mesmerized. The boarders are disgusted and threaten to leave. The family is ashamed.

🤔 The Family’s Resolution

Grete insists Gregor must go. Hearing this, Gregor realizes his family no longer wants him. He quietly returns to his room.

🌑 Quiet Death

That night, Gregor dies alone. The cleaning lady finds his corpse. His family, while initially solemn, feels relief. They begin to think of a new life—cleaning the home, changing jobs, and moving on.

🌿 A New Dawn

The family walks into the sunlight, speaking of the future. Grete has grown up, and the story ends with a faint but hopeful note of renewal.