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In German, the word Kafka uses to describe Gregor Samsa's transformation is ungezieter, which is a word used by the Germans during his lifetime in reference to the Jews. The literal English translation is "monstrous vermin." Kafka uses Gregor's family to show how inhumane society can be. In The Metamorphosis, Kafka uses his experiences to create much of Gregor's life. He indicates that Gregor's family only saw him as a means of survival before the …

…his own experiences into Gregor Samsa's life. Grer was alienated by his family because they only saw his ability to work and provide for him, not his ability to be a caring person. Once Gregor was transformed and his family lost all form of communication with him, they feared him and hoped he would keep to himself. It took Gregor's transformation to relize his family had always set him apart from their group of three.