Many factors lead to the development of an individual's identity. Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" illustrates an extreme change in Gregor Samsa's outward identity and the overall outward effect this has on the development of his family. While James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues" illustrates a young man struggling to find his identity while being pushed around by what society and his family want him to be. Both of these characters demonstrate an underlying struggle of alienation, but both also demonstrate a need to belong. This conflict between trying to belong and satisfying the needs of society has had a direct impact on their own individuality and the lives of the people around them. Gregor Samsa, a hard-working salesman who provides for his needy family, sacrificed his own freedom for his family's survival. As the breadwinner, his family expects him to work, succeed, and bring wealth home. Although Gregor does not enjoy his tedious work at all, he nevertheless agrees to do it. This is more influenced by his father's debt than by his own morals. “Without my parents, I would have resigned a long time ago, gone to the boss and scolded him” (Kafka 2). This shows that he is a frustrated individual. Gregor is someone who would probably guard his own personal feelings to preserve the family name. One night of nightmares later, Gregor wakes up and sees his many little legs moving. He is not initially shocked by this horrible transformation and as terrible as it seems to him, his main concern is how will he get to work? Despite everything, he is still in the mentality of working at all costs. After all, he doesn't want to lose middle of paper......the development of your identity. Gregor, the father, did his best to be there for his family. His family is all he has and it’s his identity. While Sonny, the troubled kid turned musician, abandoned his family's suggestions and followed his own path by staying true to himself and dedicating himself to a specific goal. These two characters are polar opposites in the sense that one follows his family and the other does not. But both characters were forced into difficult situations and both experienced some sort of sacrifice. Works CitedMendoza, Ramon G. Human Vermin: Kafka's Metaphor for Extreme Alienation. Np: Salem Press, and literary reference database. Internet. March 23, 2014.Murray, Donald C. James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues": Complicated and Simple. Np: Newberry College, and literary reference database. Internet. March 23. 2014.