What idea does Franz Kafka explore through his characters, particularly in works like "The Metamorphosis"?

Franz Kafka's works, especially "The Metamorphosis," delve deeply into themes of isolation and alienation in modern society. In this novella, the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, undergoes a sudden and grotesque transformation into a monstrous vermin, an event that profoundly impacts his relationship with his family and society at large. Kafka illustrates how this transformation serves as a metaphor for existential crises faced by individuals within the modern world, highlighting the emotional and psychological distance that grows between Gregor and those around him.

Throughout the narrative, as Gregor's physical form changes, his sense of alienation intensifies, reflecting broader societal issues where individuals often feel disconnected and marginalized. The reactions of his family exemplify societal tendencies to reject and ostracize those who do not conform to established norms, emphasizing the tragic consequences of alienation. Thus, Kafka uses Gregor's plight to explore the profound effects of isolation on the human experience in the context of a rapidly changing and often indifferent society.