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."
MetaphorMetaphorically, 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?
Home
Mother
Relationship with Family
Father
Job
Office Manager
What is his own
reaction to his
change?
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
What caused his
death?
Describe how each family
member reacts to his
death:
Mother
Who do you think is
responsible for Gregor's
fate?
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?