In "The Metamorphosis", by Franz Kafka, a family is supported, but also ripped apart by one individual, Gregor Samsa. The family is falling apart including Gregor. They do not talk to each other except to fight, and they seem to care for each other only because they all need to be healthy and to get enough sleep in order to work the next day. They are becoming alienated from each other in the same way …showed first 75 words of 826 total…

…showed last 75 words of 826 total…same time they still mourned his passing. His presence was a constant reminder of alienation. With Gregor now gone, they are free to continue living, believing that life is good and that their future is bright. The family suddenly feels whole again, and the father now has the courage to kick the lodgers out. Also, the father, mother, and sister all take the day off from work, something that use to be unthinkable to them.