Gregor Samsa's life was one of "quiet desperation" in a very literal manner. When he was a human, he never stood up for himself against his parents to tell them that they should be the ones supporting the family. It was not Gregor's responsibility to support the family financially, but he did. Also, one of the only things that we see expressed as a want, or desperation, of Gregor's is that his sister go to a music conservatory to study and play her violin. However, because he never spoke up, he was never able to see that happen. By Kafka transforming Gregor into a beetle, this is an even more bold attempt to show people what could happen if you only live in "quiet desperation". Kafka is trying to tell people not to abuse or neglect their ability of speech, and to embrace and use it for all it's worth.