Allegory Background: Authors use allegory as a literary device to convey a symbolic message about some aspect of human life and society. In an allegory, characters represent ideas. Kafka uses the allegory in The Metamorphosis to comment on life and society. Writing Prompt: What do you think the character of Gregor Samsa represents? What message is the author trying to convey about human life and society? Use textual evidence to support your ideas.