International Science Community Association Research Journal of Language and Literature Sciences 13 2 2026 05 19 Bound by Blood, Broken by Burden: an Account of Devotion, Duty, and Disintegration in Franz Kafka’s the Metamorphosis 7 15 EN Paliwal Vibhooti Satya 1 Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Scholar of MS-HSA, Madonna University, Michigan, USA Satya Veena 2 PM College of Excellence, Barwani, M.P., India Kaur Kamaldeep 1 Department of English, Khalsa College for Women, Civil Lines, Ludhiana, Punjab, India > Research Article 2026 2 13 2026 05 19 Franz Kafka’s the Metamorphosis presents a poignant exploration of duty, devotion, and the gradual disintegration of familial bonds through the life of Gregor Samsa. This paper interprets Gregor’s transformation not simply as a physical change but as a symbolic extension of his alienated existence as the self-sacrificing provider of the Samsa family. Prior to his metamorphosis, Gregor dutifully endures an exhausting occupation to repay his father’s debts and secure his family’s comfort, while secretly nurturing aspirations for his sister Grete’s future. Even after his transformation, Gregor’s emotional devotion remains unchanged, and Grete initially responds with remarkable empathy by caring for him, providing food, and protecting him from complete exclusion. Her actions reflect a profound sibling bond that persists despite fear and uncertainty. However, as the family’s financial condition worsens, external pressures increase, and their domestic space is shared with lodgers, Gregor’s presence begins to disrupt everyday life and social order. The terror experienced by the lodgers upon encountering Gregor intensifies the family’s sense of shame and inconvenience. Gradually, Gregor is perceived less as a family member and more as a burden, whose existence threatens stability and survival. This shift culminates in the family’s desire to free themselves from him, underscoring Kafka’s critique of relationships strained by utility, obligation, and social conformity. Copyright@ International Science Community Association