Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
Things to Consider:
- Modernism
- Alienation
1202:
- During the 1930s, what trait of Kafka's writings did
readers identify?
1203:
- Explain: "'The terror of art' . . . is that 'the dream
reveals the reality'" (1203).
1204:
- What, according to the editors, is the central conflict of
The Metamorphosis?
The Metamorphosis (1915)
1205:
- How is Gregor different from other travelling salesman?
1208:
- 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?
1218:
- Does Gregor's family really appreciate his efforts?
Why is there "no particular warmth" (1218) in their response
to it?
1219:
- Why is Gregor "burning with sorrow and shame"
(1219)? What does he have to be ashamed of?
1221:
- What does Gregor's mother help him remember? How?
1235:
- Why are they all so happy at the end?
Other Discussion Questions:
1201:
- What is the term "Kafkaesque" used to describe?
1202:
- Describe Kafka's relationship with his father.
1203:
- Describe the influence of anti-Semitism on Kafka's writing.
1211:
- How does Gregor open the door?
1213:
- Why does Gregor's father shoo him back to his room?
1217:
1219:
- Why is Gregor's sister, Grete, even a month later, so
startled by his appearance?
1224:
- Why does Gregor have trouble recognizing his father?
- Why does his father throw fruit at him?
1231:
- Why does Grete decide that they should get rid of Gregor?
- Why won't she call him by name?
1234:
- Why is Mr. Samsa so thankful that Gregor is dead?
More In-Depth Q's:
- 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?
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