The answer is the townspeople
Gregor’s transformation into new physical form is both disgusting and sympathetic to the family.Initially, Grete and his mother are more sympathetic towards him, Grete as a caretaker goes beyond to find what food would Gregor like to eat. On the other hand, the mother is against moving the furniture out of Gregor’s room hoping that he would return to his human form. Gregor’s father shows his sympathy towards him by abiding by the family in taking care of Gregor.
As Gregor’s appearance changes the family becomes gradually uncomfortable and unsympathetic towards him as it stresses them out. The mother is horrified with his appearance and faints, on the other hand, Grete is unable to bear to withstand with Gregor in the same room. Ultimately, Gregor is unable to communicate his feelings which leads apart from any humane feelings. Lastly, Grete the major supporter of Gregor’s decides to get rid of him.
The Moloch in "Howl" symbolizes a industrial machine
"Moloch whose mind is pure machinery!"
"Moloch whose skyscrapers stand in the long streets like endless
Jehovahs! Moloch whose factories dream and croak in the fog! Moloch
whose smoke-stacks and antennae crown the cities!"
"Moloch whose love is endless oil and stone! Moloch whose soul is
electricity and banks! . . . Moloch whose fate is a cloud of sexless
hydrogen!"
"Robot apartments! invisible suburbs! skeleton treasuries! blind capitals! demonic industries! spectral nations!"