Lately in politics, many of us have noticed a number of individuals losing power and this results in shifts in power, most recently in Thailand. In the short story "The Metamorphosis", Franz Kafka implies that every society needs a powerful individual to make the society function, if that individual loses power, there will be others who will claim the displaced power; Kafka does this efficiently through characterization, through the alienation of that powerless individual, and through conflict regarding the struggle for power. In his short story, Franz Kafka uses characterization to show that the characters of the Samsa family will adapt to the situation and begin to create up the hole left by Gregor. In particular, the father adapted to the new situation by finding some work. “With a sort of obstinacy, Gregor's father refused to take off his uniform even at home; while his nightgown hung unused on the coat rack, Gregor's father slept where he was, fully dressed, as if he were always ready to serve and expected to hear the voice of his superior here too.” (p. 33-34) Here the father takes on the role of patriarch of the family and is very proud of his work and the "responsibility" he has; this is shown when he changes his appearance from messy to relatively well-groomed. Grete has also started working as the family's demand for money increases. “His sister ran back and forth behind the desk at the behest of customers.” (p.35) The sister grew up as the story progresses, as the family starts to need it, she starts earning money. Last but not least, the mother also begins to adapt to the new situation. “The cleaning lady would do the hardest work; Gregor's mother took care of everything else, on the large sheet of paper... in the middle of the paper... try to get rid of it.» (p.43) In this line Grete uses the power she has in the family to decide the fate of her brother, it was this decision that dealt the final blow to Gregor. When a powerful individual loses his power in a society, there will be someone to take over that individual's role in the society, because the society cannot function without that individual. Franz Kafka made it one of the main themes in his story The Metamorphosis. It depicts Gregor as a previously powerful individual, who loses his power and becomes isolated from his family members, the new power holders. Family members must change themselves and strive to achieve that power. This theme is closely linked to today's politics, because thanks to democracy people can choose powerful individuals. Works Cited Kafka, Franz. Metamorphosis. Np: np, nd Print.