Wisniewski (1966), "Gregor is neither a beast nor a man but in some ways he is both at the same time." We find this statement to be correct and agree with it. Gregor is most like a beast when he is physically manifested as a human, and he is most like a human when he is in the body of a bug.
Before his metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa resides in the body of a human, but inwardly possesses the confidence and personality of a bug. His job as a traveling salesman reveals aspects about his bug-like personality and how others perceive him. Gregor's work requires neither imagination nor lateral thinking, but instead only has need of mindless effort, much like an insect trying to survive using mechanical proceedings. Even so, his work is extremely important to him - even when he realizes that he has become an insect, his first thought is concern towards his work, as he comments upon "what a grueling job [he's] picked" (4). Gregor is the "tool of the boss, without brains or backbone"(5). At first metaphorically described as a bug, he is now the physical manifestation of the beast. Like a bug, he allows himself to be pushed around and treated badly as the manager berates Gregor for "strutting about, flaunting strange whims," which is not true (11). Not only does his manager abuse him, people consider the occupation of a salesman as irritating, not to mention something to be brushed away. Salesmen are not considered part of human society, but instead "live like harem women", who are not part of human society as Gregor is also not(4). Gregor, instead of being respected by his family and manager for his diligence and responsibility, is instead treated more and more like an insect. Gregor's family does not really appreciate his sacrifices for them, and his metamorphosis into an insect is only a physical manifestation of what his family had already thought of him. Gregor's only value to his family is to make money for them.
