Transformation: Question about The Metamorphosis
Question about The Metamorphosis often delves into the symbolic layers of Franz Kafka’s narrative, exploring the profound transformations of both characters and societal norms.
1. What things about Gregor have been changed? What seems to have remained the same? Give details with specific qualities.
I think his whole physical body has changed. His legs, his head, his belly, and even face and mouth have changed a lot. However, it does seem that his mind has the same qualities as he has before his transformation. Even his eating habits, his sleeping pattern and walking have changed much. But he thinks in the same way. He feels emotions and passions in the same way as he used to before this. He has also the quality of not disturbing others and feels specifically about the financial condition of his family. His care for his family is the same.
Family Question about The Metamorphosis
2. The Metamorphosis takes place almost entirely in the Samsa family apartment. How does the story’s setting shape its themes?
It takes place only in the apartment in which the Samsa family is living. It is because had it taken place in any other set up or in a large house or a ranch, it would have affected Gregor’s movements after his transformation. It is also to tell that Gregor should feel easy after his transformation, as he would find easy to move around and live. The setting of the story also shapes the place as it is easy for the family to take care of him. He stays there in the same room, reminding that it is only because of him that they are living in this flat.
Gregor: Question about The Metamorphosis
3. Which family member first decides that the family must “get rid of” the insect? What rationale is given? In what specific ways does the family’s decision affect Gregor?
It was the idea of Grete who asked his parents that they should get rid of this insect. She has, in fact, presented this idea that this monster or insect is something else and his brother Gregor is not the same thing. She refers his brother as a monster and “it” instead of “het” which shows that as a sole bread earner of the family, she has concluded that things cannot move forward and it is necessary to declare this monster not his brother. Therefore, she wins consent of other family members.
Death: Question about The Metamorphosis
4. How does the family react to Gregor’s death?
When the working lady announces that the insect is dead, the family feels jubilant. His mother and sister hug each other very much. Then all of the family members chirped and decided to go for outing to have a good respite from their grueling routine of working. It seems that all the family members have sensed that the bug has become a financial burden on them. The only way to get rid of poverty and their situation was to get rid of it. The matter of fact is that they all have forgotten that he was their son at all. The transformation was not only in his body but also in his fortune.
5. Does Grete change in the course of the story? If so, how does she change?
Grete changed very much in the story. In the beginning, she seemed to be “perceptive” as Gregor calls her. When she comes to know that Gregor has transformed into a giant insect, she takes up the responsibility of feeding him and cleaning his room. However, with the passage of time she also has to take up the responsibility of the whole family. This thing made her fully responsibility. After a moth or two when she realized that the bug is of no use to them and that it is only adding to their financial woes, not only she herself changes, but also urges other family members to get rid of this with argument that her brother is not this bug.
Symbolism: Question about The Metamorphosis
6. In what ways is Gregor’s metamorphosis symbolic?
This metamorphosis is symbolic in several ways. The first is that when a person on some high position and he is immediately brought low, others feel that he is still at the same position and take time in understanding him. Then when it dawns upon them the reality, the same person start losing his former luster. It happens with dictators, rulers and financial tycoons when they start losing their position. Then people start losing their interest in them and nobody praises or respects them.
Works Cited: Question about The Metamorphosis
- Uddin, Md Jashim. “Existential Crisis in Modern Man’s Life through the Lens of Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”.” Qualitative Research 24.1 (2024).
Relevant Question about The Metamorphosis
- How does the question about Metamorphosis contribute to a deeper understanding of the symbolic elements in Franz Kafka’s narrative, particularly in the context of Gregor Samsa’s transformative journey into an insect?
- In exploring questions about Metamorphosis, how can one analyze the psychological and existential aspects of the narrative, and what insights do these inquiries provide into themes such as alienation, identity crisis, and the absurdity of human existence?
- When examining questions about Metamorphosis, what broader literary and philosophical discussions arise, and how does Kafka’s work continue to resonate with contemporary reflections on the complexities of the human condition?
