Franz Kafka book summaries

“One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin.”

The opening line of the novella, establishing the premise of Gregor's metamorphosis.

“He lay on his armour-like back, and if he lifted his head a little he could see his brown belly, slightly domed and divided by arches into stiff sections.”

Gregor's first description of his new body, emphasizing his insect-like appearance.

“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me.”

Gregor's internal thought, expressing his isolation and inability to communicate his human feelings.

“He must go, cried Gregor's sister, that's the only thing, Father. You must just try to get rid of the idea that this is Gregor.”

Grete's declaration to her parents that the insect is no longer her brother, marking the family's final rejection.

“When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.”

An alternative translation of the opening line, often quoted in English editions.

“He was still occupied with this distressing thought, when he heard his mother's voice, softly calling: Gregor, come in, we have been expecting you.”

A moment before Gregor reveals himself, showing the family's initial attempt to maintain normalcy.