Metamorphosis: Chapter Guide and Journals
Before you read: Write a definition of "metaphor" and think of several examples. Here is one definition: "An implied analogy which identifies one object with another and ascribes to the first one or more of the qualities of the second, or invests the first with emotional or imaginative qualities associated with the second."
Metaphor-
Metaphorically, what do you think it means to be a "bug"? Provide several examples.
Chapter One
Life before he changes… / How do the different family members react when they see him? / What is his own reaction to his change?Home / Mother
Relationship with Family / Father
Job / Office Manager
In what ways do you think Gregor was like a "bug" even before his metamorphosis?
Chapter Two
1. How does Gregor entertain himself?
2. In the chart below, track the change or metamorphosis of the relationship between Gregor and his family members:
Before the change / After the change in this chapter / Why do you think this change affected his relationships this way?Mother
Father
Grete
3. What is the significance of Gregor’s relationship with and dream for his sister Grete? Is this dream in conflict with other demands upon Gregor?
4. Why does Gregor change his mind about having the furniture removed from his room so that he can move freely about?
5. Gregor’s father is especially violent towards him and provides a terrible physical injury. What may this symbolize?
Chapter 3
1. Continue to track the changes in the relationships between Gregor and his family members:
In this chapter / Why do you think this change in relationship has happened? / How does this affect Gregor?Mother
Father
Grete
2. Use the chart below to track the emotions and reaction in the final chapter:
Describe the scene of Gregor's death / Describe how each family member reacts to his death: / Who do you think is responsible for Gregor's fate?What caused his death? / Mother / To what extent do you think he is responsible?
Father
Grete
3. What does Gregor’s father’s uniform symbolize?
4. Is there a connection between Gregor’s eating problems and Grete’s violin playing?
5. On what sort of note does the story end?
6. What, ultimately, is the meaning of Gregor’s metamorphosis?
7. How could Gregor’s starvation be symbolic?