Metamorphosis

08:44

1.Is Gregor actually insane and only believes he has gone through a transformation? Explain your reasoning.

2. As Gregor loses his humanity, what do you think the author is saying about society and the effects we have on others?

3. Gregor’s family responds in fear and hatred. Explore the family as a catalyst for Gregor’s change and his loss of memory and instinct.

4. Explain the symbolism in the story. (Gregor’s transformation, the physical injury inflicted by Gregor’s father, Gregor’s starvation, and the picture of the woman on the wall)? Why is this story relevant today?

5. Kafka once wrote, “I think we should read only the kind of books that wound and stab us… we need books that affect us like a disaster, that grieve us deeply, like the death of someone we loved more than ourselves, like being banished into forests far from everyone… A book must be the axe for the frozen sea inside of us.” Do you agree? Why?
How might Gregor’s situation be a form of self-punishment?

6. Reflect upon the saying, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” How does this statement apply to The Metamorphosis?

7. Why is dehumanization/ isolation/ alienation a universal theme? (** Find a current event that reflects the theme of isolation, alienation, and/or dehumanization.)

Daniel & Ben questions 1 & 6

Kester & Endrin questions 2 & 4

Amla & Michelle question 5

Sarah, question 3