Eng11H_metamorphosisguide

Franz Kafka’s The MetamorphosisReading QuestionsDirections: The Metamorphosis is a complex, multi-layered short story of one man’s transformation into a“monstrous vermin.” To fully understand and analyze this piece of literature, close reading and interpretation arenecessary. Answer the following questions based on your reading, being careful to elaborate and provide specificsupport where needed. Please type out your responses, single-spaced.1. Before delving too deeply into this literary work, consider the implications of the title. How would youdefine a metamorphosis? What type of short story might bear this title?2. Consider the opening sentence of the short story: “When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning fromunsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.” What assumptions can youmake about a short story which begins in this fashion? Where might you expect the plot to go from thisseemingly climactic event?3. This story begins with what seems to be an actual, physical transformation. In fact, the narrator commentson page three, “It was no dream.” Noting the text you have read thus far, do you believe Gregor Samsa hasliterally become a large beetle or do you believe something more fantastical or abstract has occurred? Why?4. By examining the description and details of Gregor’s room on page three, what might you surmise about hispersonality? Take into consideration the items he notices as he looks around the room, as well as thoseitems notably missing from a “regular” human room.5. After a few moments of realization, Gregor comments, “How about going back to sleep for a few minutesand forgetting this nonsense.” Is this a logical response, considering his current condition? Is this responsesimilar to one you might make in an unimaginable, but similar situation?6. On page four, immediately following an unsuccessful attempt at falling back to sleep, Gregor changes hisfocus entirely. What new topic does he seem to dwell upon? Do you find this sudden change in focusawkward? Could there be a connection between his physical transformation and his discussion of work?Explain.7. Closely examine Gregor’s complaints about his work. What major problems does he encounter whileemployed as a salesman? Are these significant grievances or just the ordinary complaints of a whining youngman?8. At the top of page four, Gregor attempts to touch an itchy spot on his belly, “studded with white dots.” Whydo you think he shivers upon touching this area? By page five of the short story, have you come to aconclusion about whether or not Gregor has been “physically” or literally transformed into a bug? Cite briefevidence supporting either position, or give conflicting support if you have not yet reached a decision onthis central idea.9. Examine the description of Gregor’s boss on page four. What details of the boss’ character or Gregor’sinteractions with him stand out? Do any of these details seem significant or symbolic? Explain.10. Through page five, what have we learned of Gregor Samsa’s family? What role do you think he performs forthem? Why does he say he must work so hard at a job he seems to hate so much?11. On page five, Gregor is in a rush to get up in time for the seven o’ clock train. He comments, “…he himselfdid not feel especially fresh and ready to march around.” What do you think of this statement? Is it ironic?Humorous? Explain.12. On page five, Gregor describes himself as “a tool of the boss, without brains or backbone.” How is thisstatement ironic and particularly significant considering Gregor’s present state?CA Standards: Reading 3.2, 3.9Ms. Tan/English 11H

13. Why do you think that Gregor does not seem to take his apparent transformation seriously? In fact, beyondthe opening statement and descriptions at the start of the story, Gregor seems to barely mention hiscurrent appearance. Could this be proof that he is not literally a large beetle? Explain.14. When Gregor’s mother knocks on the door to his room, Gregor answers her inquiry. What has happenedto his voice? What does this change signify?15. Describe how each of Gregor’s family members reacts to his being late to work. What do their reactions sayabout their personalities and even how they behave toward Gregor?16. In reviewing pages 21-26, what evidence can you find that Gregor’s metamorphosis is ongoing? How is helearning to acclimate to his new “form?”17. Describe the reaction Gregor has to each type of food placed before him. Why do you think he reacts insuch an odd way to the foods he used to love? Is there any symbolism in this scene?18. How has his family reacted to Gregor’s change? Does Gregor truly understand their reactions? Support yourposition with evidence from the text.19. Describe how Gregor reacts to his empty room. Why does he feel uncomfortable? Where does he feelmost at ease in the room and why?20. What do you make of this statement made by Gregor on page 23: “…by being patient and showing hisfamily every possible consideration, help them bear the inconvenience which he simply had to cause them inhis present condition.” What insight does this statement reveal about Gregor and his status within his family?21. When Grete enters Gregor’s room on page 23, she does so “as if she were visiting someone seriously ill orperhaps even a stranger.” What does this description reveal about her character and her reaction to herbrother’s “change?”22. Gregor believes that his sister brings him an assortment of spoiled foods and garbage to discover his likesand dislikes. Do you agree with his observation of her behavior? Why or why not?23. Do you think Grete tends to Gregor out of love and sisterly affection? Why or why not?24. What do you feel the apple imbedded into Gregor’s back might represent? Look to evidence from the textto support your ideas.25. On page 40, Gregor describes the new practice of the opening of the living-room door near dusk, topresumably allow him to listen in on the family’s conversations while remaining in the darkness of hisbedroom. Why might the family allow him to do this? Has their view toward Gregor, in his new state,changed? Explain.26. Gregor is not the only family member to have undergone a transformation. How have the other threemembers of his household also changed?27. Explain why you believe Gregor’s father wears his uniform even at home and while he rests.28. Examining page 42, explain how Gregor’s position in the family has radically shifted from how it must havebeen just before the outset of the novel. What position does he now hold?29. On examining page 43, explain how Gregor’s attitude toward his current “disposition” and treatment by hisfamily has shifted. What might this change in outlook reveal about his character?30. How does the cleaning woman react to Gregor? How is her reaction different from that of his family?31. What do you make of the three roomers? What role do they play in the novel?CA Standards: Reading 3.2, 3.9Ms. Tan/English 11H