The Metamorphosis of the Family Before the caterpillar can transform into a butterfly, it must go through a metamorphosis. The cocoon in which the caterpillar hibernates is in fact only a means of transport towards another form of life. Gregor, in Franz Kafka's story The Metamorphosis, is also a vehicle for such an important transformation, in this case the reform of his family. Gregor's metamorphosis facilitates the gradual change of his entire family, demonstrating that sometimes an external source is needed to push people out of stagnation and into life. Before the family members begin to make their transformations, they rely heavily on Gregor. The dutiful son sets out to provide for his family after his father's business fails. A decent job is secured and the family willingly accepts this new way of life, with a stable income and means of support. As time passed «they simply got used to it, both the family and Gregor; the money was gratefully accepted and willingly given, but there was no particular outburst of affection” (95). Each family member becomes accustomed to an easy life where needs and desires are met. This routine causes individuals in the family to stagnate and live unproductively. The family begins to follow a path of existentialism because of what their lives have become. Existentialism involves taking responsibility for your actions and finding meaning in life. Over the course of the novel the family passes from a state of meaninglessness to a gradual form of existentialism. At first, the lives of family members mean nothing and have no purpose. These are not individuals, but mindless drones who take advantage of a convenient situation... middle of paper... there and the daughter go out arm in arm" (11). Gregor's death is a necessary sacrifice, because it is Through his loss of humanity his family is able to find their humanity. It forces them to understand their environment and their role in society, creating meaning in their lives. metamorphosis of each member of his family, illustrating the importance of discovering purpose in one's life To truly experience life, people must find meaning in it However, sometimes it is only through the changes of another, in this case Gregor le people themselves begin to transform. Gregor's sacrifice allows his family to leave their protective lair and travel the world, discovering what life has to offer. Works Cited: Kafka, The Metamorphosis: Vanguard Press, 1946.