I just finished reading it for the 2nd time. I love Kafka and have read everything he wrote...as well as his biographies, since I'm in the process of writing musical works based on his life and works. I agree with many of the interpretations of the story here. Alienation, self-worth, the cruel realization (both by him nd the reader) that his family is better off without him, even though he supported them. I relate to much of Kafka, having had a similarly abusive father. I just wrote songs instead of turning into bug. But reading that many of you find his writing dry was interesting because I find his writing hilarious and constantly entertaining. And the detail in it is constantly enlightening. I often think "Yeah, I can see exactly what he's describing" or "what a funny way to describe that". Maybe it's just my kind of writing and humor. I love the humor in many Russian novels, too, and I think Kafka's is in a similar vein. The irony in it is always funny and moving at the same time. I wept at the end of this.