by numerous references to the text is that Gregor's perception of his new physiology and his hatred of his job and his enslavement to it and his family are intricately linked. Consider, for instance, what follows the line quoted above:
"Oh God," he thought, "what a grueling job I've picked! . . . To the devil with it all!" He felt a slight itching up on top of his belly; shoved himself slowly on his back closer to the bedpost, so as to be able to lift his head better; found the itchy spot, studded with small white dots which he had no idea what to make of; and wanted to touch the spot with one of his legs but immediately pulled it back, for the contact sent a cold shiver through him. He slid back into his original position. "This getting up so early," he thought, "makes anyone a complete idiot" (Kafka 4).
Admittedly, Gregor realizes there is something unusual about himself this morning, but his discomfort with his new physical condition is comfortably in
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