Socratic Questions: Metamorphosis

Be prepared to offer an answer to each question along with a textual reference as support.

1. The first sentence of this story is quite famous in literature. However, over the years since its first translation, many voice in academia have complained that the word insect does not fairly translate Kafka’s original meaning. Offer your own interpretation of this debate. Why do many critics dislike the original translation? 2. What does the fact that Gregor seems to ignore his physical symptoms in lieu of harping on his psychological hardships say about Gregor as a character? 3. What is the significance of Gregor’s legs fighting against each other as he lies helpless on his back? 4. What is the symbolic significance of the setting details the narrator offers in Chapter I? 5. What deeply symbolic change in the way things work around the house (the power structure) has occurred at the outset of Chapter II, and what is suggested by this change? 6. It is obvious to the reader that the sister locks the door because the family is horrified that Gregor might escape from his room. What kind of irony does this represent? 7. From an Existentialist framework, explain why the fact that Gregor thinks he perceives a look of gratitude from Grete is more important than whether or not she actually offered him any gratitude? 8. Explain the father-son conflict in the story and its significance. 9. What do the three tenants symbolize in the story? 10. What is ironic about the violin scene?