The Loss of Humanity Language forms the basis of civilization. Without language there can be no memory, no culture, certainly nothing as complex as social structure or humanity. In Franz Kafka's, "The Metamorphosis" the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, loses part of his speech faculty. In fact, he turns into a bug and, as his capacity for language slowly deteriorates even his mind and personality begin to seem less human. Gregor's transformation obliges the rest of his …showed first 75 words of 1595 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1595 total…defend himself Gregor is left to sink deeper and deeper into despair before finally dying. Without language, Gregor's huamanity, and hence his basic human rights - to life, to liberty, to the pursuit of whatever goals he desires - is abrogated. Upon his death the Samsa family, though apparently able to provide for themselves, wish to continue to parasitize their offspring for their continued leisure, an ideal confirmed by the final lines of the story.