the metamorphosis reflection

2-3 reflective paragraphs, 6-9 citations from parts 1, 2, & 3
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is marinating in symbolism from beginning to end. Almost each sentence has a symbol or deeper meaning, especially of Kafka's outlook on the flaws of society. The first one being the idea of work-pace. "“O God,” he thought, “what a demanding job I’ve chosen! Day in, day out, on the road. The stresses of selling are much greater than the actual work going on at head office, and, in addition to that, I still have to cope with the problems of travelling, the worries about train connections, irregular bad food, temporary and constantly changing human relationships, which never come from the heart. To hell with it all!”"(Kafka 1). This is Gregor speaking of his job, how much he hates it, how he does not have the time to live is life or develop real human relationships. Who would want to live this life? The American way has given most working adults this same feeling. Another thing that was very prevalent in Kafka's story was the idea of trust, and how it is escaping humanity. "Gregor had no intention of opening the door, but congratulated himself on his precaution, acquired from travelling, of locking all doors during the night, even at home." (Kafka 2) This is showing how Gregor does not hold trust in anyone, not even his family. The door is a symbol, and he is literally shutting them out. This sad humor seen throughout the story is conveying the flaws Kafka sees in us. The idea of dehumanization is very important here as well. "“Something has fallen in there,” said the manager in the next room on the left." Gregor is being referred to as an object, a "something". This is even before his family is aware that he is a bug. Gregor is not even seen as a human to them, whether he is a bug or not. 
A hugely important symbol in The Metamorphosis is the voice. Gregor's changing voice throughout the story is very important and meaningful, representing the metaphorical voice, and power. "In the living room, as Gregor saw through the crack in the door, the gas was lit, but where, on other occasions at this time of day, his father was accustomed to read the afternoon newspaper in a loud voice to his mother and sometimes also to his sister, at the moment no sound was audible."(Kafka 9). This excerpt is saying that the father has a loud voice. He is the power clearly talks down to the rest of his family, especially Gregor. He lives in luxury while his son works off his own debt. Yet, he is still ashamed of him. One of the saddest excerpts from this story would be this one."He remembered his family with deep feelings of love. In this business, his own thought that he had to disappear was, if possible, even more decisive than his sister’s. He remained in this state of empty and peaceful reflection until the tower clock struck three in the morning. In front of the window he witnessed the beginning of the outside growing generally lighter. Then without willing it, his head sank all the way down..."(Kafka 25). Gregor is abused by his family and worked like an ox. He receives no love and no respect in return. The kill him by stabbing him in the back, also in the literal sense. He dies with a deep, "undying" love for his family.  Finally, the end of The Metamorphosis end with the idea of the cycle. All of this that Gregor is trapped in, that kills hims (traps us, kills us) repeats itself. "And it was something of a confirmation of their new dreams and good intentions when at the end of their journey their daughter stood up first and stretched her young body."(Kafka 27) The parents plan to use the loving daughter as they used their loving son. Her fate will be the same as Gregor's.