The Metamorphosis Chapter One
In the first chapter of The Metamorphosis, Kafka portrays Gregor as a dual being, both
human and insect. For example, Gregor must figure out how his new body functions and
learn how to use his legs and turn over. At the same time, he has the thoughts and feelings
of a human being. As you read, note words, phrases, and other information about Gregor’s
two “selves.”
Human Self
Insect Self
1. What is the effect of Kafka's matter-of-fact assertion of the bizarre incidents with which
the story begins? How does Kafka keep the way it came to pass from becoming a major
issue in the story? 2. What is the relationship between realism and fantasy in this story? What are some details
that make the fantastic story credible?
3. How does Gregor feel about his job? What evidence in the story reveals his feelings?
4. What is Gregor’s role in his family? Why does he have so much responsibility? How is this
role about to change?
5. What happens to Gregor when he leaves his room to meet the office manager? What does
this episode reveal about Gregor’s father?
6. From Gregor’s point of view, what might be some positive aspects of his metamorphosis
into an insect?
7. What circumstances in Gregor’s life might have caused him to feel dehumanized even
before the metamorphosis took place?
8. What are Gregor's concerns in section I? To what degree do they differ from what would
matter to him if he had not been transformed into an insect?
9. How do you view the reactions of Gregor's parents to their first view of his
metamorphosis? What circumstances in ordinary life might elicit a similar response?
10. What is the significance of the view from Gregor's window?
11. Trace Gregor's adaptation to his new body. In what ways do the satisfactions of his life
as an insect differ from the satisfactions of his life as a traveling salesman?
12. When Gregor's father pushes him back into his room at the end of section I, why does
Kafka call it "literally a deliverance"?
The Metamorphosis Chapter Two
FOCUS ACTIVITY
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?
Make a list of the kinds of situations in which people might consciously or unconsciously
wish to be punished. Discuss why this feeling might exist and what the results are likely to
be.
Setting a Purpose
Read to discover whether Gregor’s situation may be a form of self-punishment.
Human Self
Insect Self
1. 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?
2. What conflicting feelings does Gregor have about having the furniture taken out of his
room? Why does he try to save the picture? What might Kafka's intention be in stressing
that it is on this occasion that Grete calls Gregor by his name for the first time since his
metamorphosis?
3. How is Gregor wounded? What symbolic significance might the object that wounds him
have?
4. What are Gregor's hopes for the future? Is there anything wrong with those hopes?
5. For a time, Gregor is ashamed of his condition and tries to hide from everyone. In what
way might this be called a step forward for him?
6. Why does Gregor's father behave as he does when Gregor "breaks loose"? Explain the
situation that has developed by the end of section II?
7 What words would you use to describe Kafka’s style? Does his writing remind you of other
books you have read, music you have heard, or films you have seen?
The Metamorphosis Chapter Three
FOCUS ACTIVITY
-Caring for a sick or elderly relative can be stressful. What advice might you give to someone
who is a caregiver?
-Discuss with a partner some of the stresses of being a long-term caregiver, and brainstorm
ways to relieve these stresses.
Setting a Purpose
Read to discover the effects on the Samsas of caring for Gregor.
As the title The Metamorphosis suggests, the characters in the novella undergo significant
changes in their lives. Make notes about changes that each character undergoes.
Gregor:
Grete:
Parents:
Human Self
Insect Self
1. Why, do you think, has Grete’s attitude toward Gregor changed? You may want to
consider some of the issues you addressed in the Focus Activity.
2. Who comes to live with the Samsas? What might be the significance of these new
characters? Why did Kafka not give them names or other individual characteristics?
3. How does Gregor respond to his sister’s violin playing? What might Kafka be implying
about Gregor by describing this reaction?
4. How does Gregor's condition deteriorate by the end of the story, in his environment and
within himself?
5. How does Gregor's family behave at the end of the story?
6. What effect does Gregor’s metamorphosis ultimately have on his family? What does this
effect suggest about his relationship with his family.