The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis is a story by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915, and long regarded as one of the defining works of early twentieth-century literature. Kafka’s blend of unsettling atmosphere, psychological depth, and sharp social observation helped shape modern fiction, influencing writers, critics, and entire literary movements.

The story’s surreal premise and its exploration of alienation, duty, and identity have kept it firmly in the public imagination for generations. At the centre of the narrative is Gregor Samsa, a travelling salesman whose life of routine and responsibility is upended by a sudden, unexplainable transformation.

As he tries to navigate his new circumstances, the story unfolds with a quiet, haunting intensity, drawing readers into themes that still resonate strongly today: family pressure, personal worth, and the gulf between who we are and what the world expects of us. Its controlled, almost matter-of-fact style makes the extraordinary feel strangely familiar, one reason the story remains a touchstone for readers interested in classic literature, existential fiction, and symbolic storytelling. This translation by Ian Johnston was published and released into the public domain in 1999.