If I didn't have my parents to think about I'd have given in my notice a long time ago, I'd have gone up to the boss and told him just what I think, tell him everything I would, let him know just what I feel. He'd fall right off his desk! And it's a funny sort of business to be sitting up there at your desk, talking down at your subordinates from up there, especially when you have to go right up close because the boss is hard of hearing.
The quote reflects the internal struggle of the speaker, who feels stifled and compelled to maintain a facade due to the influence of their parents. This suggests a deep-seated frustration with their job and a desire to express their true feelings to their boss. The speaker imagines a scenario where they confront their superior, revealing their pent-up emotions, which highlights the stark power dynamics in the workplace and their own sense of entrapment in this hierarchical structure.
The mention of the boss's hard-of-hearing condition adds a layer of irony to the situation, as it emphasizes the disconnect between leaders and their subordinates. The speaker's frustration may stem not only from their personal limitations but also from the absurdity of the workplace environment, where communication is hindered. This serves as a critique of authority and the societal expectations that prevent individuals from being authentic, ultimately reflecting the broader themes of alienation found in Kafka's "The Metamorphosis."