Met a Mor Pho Sis N

The Metamorphosis – chapter 2 met·a·mor·pho·sis n. 1. A transformation, as by magic or sorcery. 2. A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function. 3. Biology A change in the form and often habits of an animal during normal development after the embryonic stage. Metamorphosis includes, in insects, the transformation of a maggot into an adult fly and a caterpillar into a butterfly and, in amphibians, the changing of a tadpole into a frog.

Through Gregor’s reactions to different events, we learn more about the ways in which he is changing. Use this chart to keep track of some of the events that reveal the changes he is undergoing and your thoughts about the meaning of these events.

Event What we learn about Gregor

He doesn’t like milk anymore. He prefers garbage; his tastes have become more insect-like. 1. Are there parts of the story that you find humorous? What are they?

2. Describe what Gregor eats and how he entertains himself.

3. What does Gregor’s father reveal about the family’s financial status? What is Gregor’s reaction when he learns the truth about their finances?

4. What is Gregor’s response when Grete decides to remove the furniture from his room? What does this response tell you about him?

5. How is Gregor wounded? What symbolic significance might the object that wounds him have?

6. A person changed into an animal, or vice versa, is a common theme of fairy tales. In what ways is The Metamorphosis similar to a fairy tale? In what ways is it different?

7. What words would you use to describe Kafka’s style at this point? Does his writing remind you of other books you’ve read, music you’ve heard or films you’ve seen? Explain.

8. Do you think people ever hope to be punished for something they have done, said, or even thought? How might this wish lead people into a form of self-punishment? Now, relating this to Gregor, for what might Gregor feel guilt? What events caused the guilt, and how does it affect his relationship with other family members? Support your response with details from the novella.

9. Family has a powerful influence on people. How does the Samsa family both benefit and harm each other, citing examples from the text.