The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is often cited as one of the seminal works of short fiction of the 20th century and is widely studied in colleges and universities across the western world; Elias Canetti described it as "one of the few great and perfect works of the poetic imagination written during this century." The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect.

Rather than lament his transformation, Gregor worries about how he will get to his job as a traveling salesman; Gregor is the sole financial provider for his parents and sister, Greta, and their comfort is dependent on his ability to work.