Samsa

Samsa is most widely known as the surname of Gregor Samsa, the protagonist of Franz Kafka's novella The Metamorphosis (Der Metamorphose), first published in 1915. The name has become closely associated with the work and with Kafka's themes of alienation and identity.

In the story, Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a large insect. He grapples with his new condition while facing the hostility and indifference of his family. Much of the narrative centers on how his metamorphosis disrupts family duties, work, and social expectations, and on the psychological distance that grows between Gregor and those around him. The tale ends with Gregor's death and the family's subsequent sense of relief and renewed prospects.

Since its publication, The Metamorphosis has been interpreted as a landmark of modern literature, read as an exploration of existential anxiety, autonomy, and the burdens of responsibility. It has been translated into numerous languages and inspired extensive scholarly commentary and various adaptations.

Origin of the surname Samsa is not stated in the text; scholars have proposed various theories about its possible linguistic roots, but there is no consensus.

Beyond Kafka's text, the name Samsa has appeared in popular culture as a symbol of alienation, sometimes used in academic and literary discussions.