The Metamorphosis: Original and Unabridged

The Metamorphosis (German, Die Verwandlung), a novella by Franz Kafka is cited as one of the seminal works of fiction of the 20th century and is studied in colleges and universities across the Western world.

Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, wakes to find himself transformed (metamorphosed) into a large, monstrous insect-like creature. The cause of Gregor's transformation is never revealed, and Kafka himself never gave an explanation. The novella deals with Gregor's attempts to adjust to his new condition as he deals with being burdensome to his parents and sister, who are repulsed by the horrible, verminous creature Gregor has become.