What are some examples of the mundane portions of the story, and in what ways is Gregor's fantastical metamorphosis symbolic?

As far as some of the more mundane portions of the story, not much seems very ordinary or dull. Since every conversation or action seems to occur as a result of Gregor turning into a giant bug, even conversations that might normally seem dull or commonplace suddenly take on new meaning. Gregor's observations concerning the "quiet life" his hard work had made for his family are relatively mundane, as are the descriptions of the family's...

As far as some of the more mundane portions of the story, not much seems very ordinary or dull. Since every conversation or action seems to occur as a result of Gregor turning into a giant bug, even conversations that might normally seem dull or commonplace suddenly take on new meaning. Gregor's observations concerning the "quiet life" his hard work had made for his family are relatively mundane, as are the descriptions of the family's routines, at least prior to the boarders arriving. The family's conversations regarding money might be considered mundane: a great many families worry about finances. Descriptions of Grete's cleaning Gregor's room and even bringing him food are somewhat mundane as well: cleaning and bringing food for a sick relative are relatively commonplace actions. The family does engage in a number of mundane conversations and activities; it is simply their circumstances that make them seem less ordinary.

Gregor's metamorphosis is symbolic in that it is representative of his role as a worker in a capitalist economy. His life is not really his own; if he cannot work, then he is "useless." He talks about the toll that his job takes on him and his life: he works terrible hours, "eating miserable food [...], constantly seeing new faces, no relationships that last or get more intimate." Even his mother worries that he's only ever working and that he never seems to go out and do anything else. On top of this, he works and works and works and yet he can never get ahead. "He was a tool of the boss, without brains or backbone." The state of the worker, the proletariat, under capitalism is just like an insect: it is easily replaceable, it has little to no value as an individual, and it only has temporary value so long as it can work. Thus, Gregor's physical transformation is analogous to the mental and emotional transformation he had long ago, when he became a salesman. Consider the picture of Gregor from when he was in the army, prior to becoming a salesman: that person is "carefree," with his hand resting confidently on his sword, "demanding respect for his bearing and his rank." Before Gregor became a "tool of the boss," he felt completely differently than he does now. Since then, he has felt small and insignificant, like an insect, and so his body has transformed to match.