Things to Consider:

• Modernism 
• Alienation

• During the 1930s, what trait of Kafka's writings did readers identify?

• Explain: "'The terror of art' . . . is that 'the dream reveals the reality'" (1203).

• What, according to the editors, is the central conflict of The Metamorphosis?

• How is Gregor different from other travelling salesman?

• Why does the chief clerk come to Gregor's house?
• Why is Gregor so upset that it is the chief clerk, rather than an trainee?

• Does Gregor's family really appreciate his efforts?  Why is there "no particular warmth" (1218) in their response to it?

• Why is Gregor "burning with sorrow and shame" (1219)?  What does he have to be ashamed of?

• What does Gregor's mother help him remember?  How?

• Why are they all so happy at the end?

• What is the term "Kafkaesque" used to describe?

• Describe Kafka's relationship with his father.

• Describe the influence of anti-Semitism on Kafka's writing.

• How does Gregor open the door?

• Why does Gregor's father shoo him back to his room?

• Why does the cook quit?

• Why is Gregor's sister, Grete, even a month later, so startled by his appearance?

• Why does Gregor have trouble recognizing his father?
• Why does his father throw fruit at him?

• Why does Grete decide that they should get rid of Gregor?
• Why won't she call him by name?

• Why is Mr. Samsa so thankful that Gregor is dead?

• Is Gregor's family justified in their treatment of him?  Consider their behavior both before and after his metamorphosis.
• How does Gregor's position--both before and after his metamorphosis--parallel his father's, if at all?
• How does the relationship between Gregor and his father compare to the father-son relationships in Okonkwo's family in Things Fall Apart?
• Why has Gregor changed into an insect?  What might this transformation represent?