In terms of biology, a metamorphosis means “the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages” (Oxford Dictionary). For animals, they must undergo this event in order to become physically developed and fully mature. This phenomenon which gives animals the ability to survive in nature is also shown in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka; a salesman named Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning and finds himself transformed into a giant insect. Throughout the book, Gregor's metamorphosis leads to many changes in the family as they experience their own metamorphosis and become stronger. Although Gregor's metamorphosis may seem to have caused his family a great deal of suffering, it provided him and his family with the opportunity to pursue a new life. As the members of the Samsa family struggle to cope with the new situation of Gregor's metamorphosis, Gregor's sister Grete especially feels a great deal of sympathy and begins to establish her role as caretaker. Of all the characters, Grete interacts the most with Gregor. For example, in the early days of her metamorphosis, she feeds Gregor milk, assuming that his preference for milk would remain the same as before when he was human. When she notices that Gregor's food preferences have changed, she brings him "a whole assortment of foodstuffs, all spread out on an old newspaper" (Kafka 57). Therefore, through the routine of taking care of Gregor, she becomes physically and mentally mature. Additionally, as Gregor is no longer able to work, she takes a job as a saleswoman to help the family with their financial problems (Kafka 87). As she begins to support her family and learns to care for adults... middle of paper ... denture salesman. This had radically changed the lives of each member of the Samsa family. From the routine of taking care of Gregor, Grete had grown into a responsible and mature woman. As Gregor could not work, the Samsa family learned that they were physically stronger than expected, and Gregor gained independence from his work and the responsibility of being a provider. Gregor's transformation was necessary because it offered his family the opportunity to pursue a new life. Gregor may have suffered and died because of the metamorphosis, but the final lines of the story give hope for a new life awaiting the Samsa family: "And when they arrived at their destination, it seemed to them almost a confirmation of their new dreams. and good intentions when their young daughter rose quickly and stretched her young body” (Kafka 118).