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Define existentialism and three words
from the text that you would like to understand.
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The Metamorphosis
is narrated in which point of view? Why did Kafka choose this point of
view? How does the point of view in the story change? Where does it
change?
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From Kafka's description, draw a picture of
Gregor Samsa as a bug. What kind of bug is he, do you think? Why do
you think Kafka chose a giant beetle as the creature Gregor changed
into? Why did Gregor turn into a bug?
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Characterize Gregor's family, what each
does, a little about each person's attitudes, and the relationships they
have with each other.
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How does Gregor’s family respond to the fact
that Gregor is no longer able to work? Is the change ultimately good or
bad?
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Gregor seems to fight against himself as a
bug and continues to behave as he would have behaved as a human being
until we read (p.17) "Gregor immediately fell down with a little cry
onto his numerous little legs. This had hardly happened when for the
first time that morning . . ..” Respond to this change in him and his
change in thinking.
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Describe how Gregor is alienated from his
family. What images or passages help you feel his isolation?
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What repulses you or bothers you most about
Gregor's situation?
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Reread page 51 and comment on the attitude
of Gregor's family toward him. (Begins with "My dear parents . . ..)
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How does Grete’s attitude toward Gregor
change as the story progresses? Are these changes for the good or not?
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Contrast the family's circumstances at the
end of the story with them at the beginning of the story and account for
the difference. What has the family learned to do by the end of the
story? Be specific.
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What other types of metamorphosis are there
in the story besides the one that Gregor experiences? Which particular
episodes show this metamorphosis?
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This is a pretty grim story in many ways,
yet it does contain humor in parts. What parts of the story are
humorous?
