“Metamorphosis” Test 2 Study Guide
1. What irony did Gregor notice concerning his family’s unwillingness to come in his room?
When the door was “locked” to his inner self, everyone wanted to see him and understand
what was “wrong”. However, once he revealed himself, they wanted the door locked
because they were repulsed by him.
2. How was the door locked differently from the previous day? Metaphorically, what is Kafka
saying about the possible treatment of the individual after the true self is revealed? Explain.
SEE SECOND PART OF QUESTION ONE.
3. Which family member decided to help Gregor with his physical needs? Why do you think
Kafka chose her? Explain.
Gregor’s sister chose to take care of his physical needs. Kakfa could be suggesting that
fellow siblings understand us because of shared experiences.
4. How did Gregor learn of his family’s feelings about his transformation and their new familial
situation? Explain.
Gregor listened to his family through the door.
5. How did Gregor discover his family’s current financial situation? Why was he surprised?
Gregor learned that his father saved and invested portions of his earnings. Gregor was
surprised because he assumed that his father and family needed every penny he earned. It
seems HE didn’t fully understand THEM either. Another irony here
6. How did the family receive his financial support after his father’s business failure? Were they
outwardly appreciative? Why or why not in your opinion? Explain.
The first time Gregor brought home money they were very appreciative. However, they
quickly grew accustomed to his income and practically ignored his contributions to the
family. However, he was validated because he served a real PURPOSE.
7. How did Gregor’s sister react concerning his financial dedication towards the family?
Gregor’s sister was the only one who showed any outward show of appreciation. However,
it is easy to suspect that her motives were selfish because she continually spoke of her
dream to go to the music conservatory.
8. What happened to Gregor’s vision? How do you know? Explain.
Gregor’s vision became blurry. He noticed this when he tried to look out of the window
and could barely see the hospital across the street. Symbolically represents his slow
deterioration due to alienation/isolation
9. After a month’s time, was Gregor’s sister accustomed to his transformation? How do you
know? Explain.
No. Every time she entered the room she raced to the window for fresh air despite the cold
temperature (repulsion/rejection).
10. Did Gregor want to see any other family member besides his sister? Why, in your opinion?
Gregor wanted very badly to see his mother simply because she raised him and knew him
from birth.
11. What “new diversion” did Gregor discover? What did his sister and his mother try to do to
help him? Explain.
Gregor’s new diversion was crawling on the walls. His sister and mother tried to remove
the furniture to allow him to do this.
12. What effect did Gregor’s mother feel an empty room would have on him? What do you
think Kafka is saying about the link between our identity and our environment? Explain.
Gregor’s mother thought this would depress him. Kafka is saying that our physical
environment and our relation to it define who we are.
13. What item did Gregor want desperately to keep in his room? Why, in your opinion?
Actually, there are two items. The first is his desk which reminded him of his youth. The
second item was the picture of the woman on the wall.
14. What did Gregor do to prevent this from happening? What was the effect on his mother?
Explain.
Gregor laid his body over the picture. As a result, his mother had a seizure.
15. When Gregor’s father returned, how was he “transformed”? Why?
Gregor’s father was no longer the bent, shriveled old man in a bathrobe. Because he now
supported the family, he became a useful, purposeful part of the group. He now “stood
erect” and became forceful and respectable.
16. What violent act did Gregor’s father commit toward the insectile Gregor? What is Kafka
saying our reactions toward those who are socially “repulsive”? (Draw your own
conclusions!!!!!)
Gregor’s father threw apples at him illustrating violent rejection of someone who does not
fit in any social norm. Secondly, Gregor was no longer useful to the family. This gave even
more cause for rejection.
17. What effect does the father’s attack have on Gregor? Metaphorically, what effect does
social rejection have on the individual? Explain.
He becomes utterly isolated from the family. The apple in the back illustrate the pain
caused by this isolation. Gregor, like most of us, begins to sink both physically and
emotionally until he ultimately dies.