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The Metamorphosis
Text Questions for the Metamorphosis (Parts I, II, & III)
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What is Gregor's first reaction to his transformation? | After Gregor's transformation into a "monstrous vermin," he thinks he may return to his normal state if he goes back to sleep. |
Who visits Gregor on the first morning of his transformation? | The office manager represents the outside world from which Gregor is isolated. With his arrival at the Samsas' apartment, the modernist theme of alienation surfaces. |
How would you describe Gregor's relationship to the office manager? | Gregor dislikes and fears him. |
Was Gregor happy in his life before his transformation? Explain. | Gregor was not happy before his transformation. He disliked his job but felt obligated to keep working to support his family. |
In what ways are Gregor's parents indebted to Gregor's boss? | Mr. Samsa owes Gregor's boss money. |
What does Gregor seem to fear will happen to his family if he loses his job? | If Gregor loses his job, the family will not be able to repay the debt. |
How does Gregor's family react to his transformation? | Gregor's family is shocked and confused. (Mother- protective love/Father-angry/Sister- compassionate) |
In what ways do the differences in their reactions set up a challenge for this family? | The family must sort out their conflicting feelings to adjust to a new situation. |
Why do you think neither his family nor the office manager ever questions whether the creature before them is actually Gregor? | Kafka does not want his readers to question the plausibility of the transformation, so he does not allow the characters to question it. |
Which details, if any, in Part I suggest that Gregor's physical transformation is an outward expression of an alienation he has already experienced both at home and at work? Explain. | Through Gregor's metamorphosis, his isolation has manifested itself in an extreme physical form. |
Do you think Gregor's inner sense of self has changed as a result of his physical transformation? Explain. | No, Gregor still thinks, worries, and responds as a human. |
What surprising news about the family's finances does Gregor learn? | Gregor learns that his family has money to live on. |
With what mixed feelings does Gregor react to this news? | Gregor is relieved, but disheartened. |
What does this news suggest about Gregor's alienation from his family even before his metamorphosis? | The news shows that Gregor was already alienated from his family who kept this information from him. |
Each time Grete enters Gregor's room, how does she react? | Grete hurries straight to the window, opens it, and stands breathing in the fresh air. |
What does her reaction suggest about the condition and smell of the room? | Bad odor |
In what ways does this situation emphasize Gregor's isolation from humanity? | Gregor is repulsive even to his own sister (isolation) |
Which item in his room is Gregor determined to keep? | Gregor is determined to keep the magazine picture of the woman in the fur hat and boa. |
What emotions, relationships, or desires might this item symbolize to him? Explain. | The picture might symbolize a relationship with a woman or Gregor's human life. The glass symbolizes Gregor's alienation from humanity. |
Why might Grete's parents have seen her as 'useless" prior to Gregor's transformation? | Grete did little but play the violin. |
In what ways has Grete changed as a result of Gregor's transformation? | She has become more responsible and courageous in caring for Gregor(as has Mr. Samsa's appearance) |
Are the changes in Grete positive or negative? Explain. | These changes are positive and demonstrate her strength of character. |
How do you feel about the Samsa family's treatment of Gregor? Explain. | Very badly: Gregor is seriously wounded by Mr. Samsa (apple) Sympathy for family (stress) |
What does Gregor do when he hears Grete playing the violin? | Gregor inches closer to be near Grete. |
How does Gregor explain his own actions to himself? | He feels that the music is the nourishment he craves. Gregor explains he is indifferent to everything, including the feelings of others. |
In what ways might this scene represent Gregor's desire to hold onto his humanity? | Gregor's sudden passion for his sister's music shows an intense desire for human companionship and a will to assert himself. |
What do Gregor's parents and sister discuss when they leave the apartment at the end of the story? | On their trolley ride to the country, the Samsas discuss their future prospects. |
Is the family better off without Gregor? Explain. | The family's better off without Gregor, permitting them more flexibility and forcing them to assume responsibility for themselves. |
At the story's end, what is the state of Gregor's body? | Gregor's body is thin and wasted away from a lack of food. |
Which details in the story support the statement that Gregor suffers from a profound lack of nourishment, both physically and emotionally? | Gregor was neglected both physically (food) and emotionally (isolation) |