“Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka

Review Guide

Part I:

  1. What is Gregor’s first reaction to his transformation?
  2. How does Gregor’s family react to his transformation?
  3. In what ways do the differences in their reactions set up a challenge for this family?
  4. What does Gregor seem to fear will happen to his family if he loses his job?
  5. Which details in Part I suggest that Gregor’s physical transformation is an outward expression of alienation he has already experienced both at home and a t work? Explain.
  6. Do you think Gregor’s inner sense of self has changed as a result of his physical transformation? Explain your answer.

Part II:

  1. What surprising news about the family’s finances does Gregor learn?
  2. With what mixed feelings does Gregor react to this news?
  3. What does this news suggest about Gregor’s alienation from his family even before his metamorphosis?
  4. Which item in his room is Gregor determined to keep?
  5. In what ways has Grete changed as a result of Gregor’s transformation?
  6. Are these changes positive or negative? Explain

Part III:

  1. How do you feel about the Samsa family’s treatment of Gregor? Explain.
  2. What does Gregor do when he hears Grete playing the violin?
  3. In what ways might this scene represent Gregor’s desire to hold onto his humanity?
  4. What do Gregor’s parents and sister discuss when they leave the apartment at the end of the story?
  5. Is the family better off without Gregor?
  6. Which details in the story support the statement that Gregor suffers from a profound lack of nourishment, both physically and emotionally?

“Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka

Review Guide

Part I:

  1. What is Gregor’s first reaction to his transformation?
  2. How does Gregor’s family react to his transformation?
  3. In what ways do the differences in their reactions set up a challenge for this family?
  4. What does Gregor seem to fear will happen to his family if he loses his job?
  5. Which details in Part I suggest that Gregor’s physical transformation is an outward expression of alienation he has already experienced both at home and a t work? Explain.
  6. Do you think Gregor’s inner sense of self has changed as a result of his physical transformation? Explain your answer.

Part II:

  1. What surprising news about the family’s finances does Gregor learn?
  2. With what mixed feelings does Gregor react to this news?
  3. What does this news suggest about Gregor’s alienation from his family even before his metamorphosis?
  4. Which item in his room is Gregor determined to keep?
  5. In what ways has Grete changed as a result of Gregor’s transformation?
  6. Are these changes positive or negative? Explain

Part III:

  1. How do you feel about the Samsa family’s treatment of Gregor? Explain.
  2. What does Gregor do when he hears Grete playing the violin?
  3. In what ways might this scene represent Gregor’s desire to hold onto his humanity?
  4. What do Gregor’s parents and sister discuss when they leave the apartment at the end of the story?
  5. Is the family better off without Gregor?
  6. Which details in the story support the statement that Gregor suffers from a profound lack of nourishment, both physically and emotionally?