The Metamorphosis

Gregor feels that as a travelling salesman, the "stresses of selling are much greater than the work going on at head office" (3), including problems with travel, poor diet, and "constantly changing human relationships which never come from the heart" (4). By keeping him on the road constantly, Gregor's job alienates him from his family and any potential friends he could make. Even within his family, Gregor's family sees him primarily as a dutiful worker. They don't seem to consider how his job affects him, and they seem to take for granted his ability to support them. The nature of his job and his family's lack of regard for Gregor's basic humanity alienate Gregor from other humans even while he's in human form. 

In having Gregor transform from a human to a vermin-like creature, Kafka makes Gregor's figurative alienation literal. Gregor's speech becomes accompanied by "an irrepressibly painful squeaking" (5) that prevents anyone from understanding him. However, it seems that even when he was human, Gregor had difficulty with communicating his true thoughts and feelings. After seeing him for the first time, Gregor's family immediately locks him in his room. Only Grete will come in, and only if Gregor hides himself.