The Metamorphosis

Summary

Gregory Samsa is a traveling salesman who financially supports his family. He wakes up in the morning to find out he has been transformed into a Dung Beetle. He is in shock after his reality sets in and tries to figure out how he is going to get to work. Although they try to assimilate the change, his family is horrified and keeps Gregory locked in his room. Gregory eventually dies, leaving his family free.

Study Guide

• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3

Characters

Gregory Samsa

A traveling salesman responsible for providing for his family. His metamorphosis into a insect leaves a stuggle between his human mind and insect needs.

Study Questions

1. What sort of bug does Gregory Samsa change into overnight?
2. What is the significance of Gregory's job? How does his job effect his family?
3. What two people does Gregory think would be the "strongest" and most able to help get him out of bed in the morning? What do you think this signifies?
4. What is the outside weather like during the "Metamorphosis"? Does this climate help set the mood at all?
5. What type of relationship does Gregory have with his sister Meg? How would you describe it?
6. How does Gregory die at the end of "The Metamorphosis"?

Works Cited

Hughes, Katherine. "Seperate and Alone: Alienation as a Central Theme in Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Kafka's Metamorphosis." 9 November 2002. 17 April 2006.