Final answer:
Gregor feels exhausted after trying to maneuver his transformed body, reflecting physical and mental exhaustion. This echoes a larger theme of characters in literature facing struggles encompassing both physical exertion and emotional turmoil.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gregor thinks, "Oh, Lord! What an exhausting job I've chosen...", after trying to turn on his side due to the tremendous physical effort and mental exhaustion he experiences in that moment.
The eight panels are likely depicting a series of attempts that Gregor makes to maneuver his transformed body, an endeavor that requires significant exertion.
Gregor's task is a metaphor for the struggles one can face in life and the irony of his situation, considering the physical metamorphosis he has undergone, only adds to his sense of weariness and hopelessness.
Within the context of the provided passages, we also see a recurring theme of characters battling with their physical and emotional fatigue. We have a warrior struggling against gravity and imminent death, a man who finds new strength in freedom, a weary traveler pressing on for his family, and a hunger artist misunderstood and drained by his profession.
These examples illustrate how exertion, mental distress, and the fight for survival or purpose in life can significantly impact an individual's psyche.