METAMORPHOSIS EXAM PREP

Who is Gregor Samsa?

Gregor is the protagonist who wakes up transformed into a giant insect.

What is Gregor's relationship with his family?

His family depends on his income, so their relationship is based heavily on obligation and money.

Who is Grete Samsa?

Grete is Gregor's sister who first cares for him but later rejects him.

How does Grete change?

She matures and becomes independent, but also grows colder toward Gregor.

What role does Mr. Samsa play?

Gregor's father becomes more aggressive and controlling after Gregor transforms.

Why is the apple incident important?

An apple stuck in Gregor's back leaves a permanent wound and symbolizes rejection.

How is Mrs. Samsa characterized?

She loves Gregor but is too fearful and weak to help him much.

Who is the chief clerk?

He represents Gregor's demanding job and society's focus on productivity.

What do the lodgers symbolize?

They represent society's judgment and the importance of money.

Why is the charwoman important?

She is one of the few people not afraid of Gregor and treats him casually.

How does the novella begin?

Gregor wakes up transformed into a giant insect.

What is Gregor's first concern?

He worries about missing work instead of his transformation.

Why can't Gregor communicate?

People cannot understand his insect-like voice.

Why does Gregor climb walls?

It shows him adapting to his insect form.

Why does Grete remove furniture?

She thinks it helps Gregor move around, but it removes his human connection.

What happens after Gregor frightens his mother?

Mr. Samsa attacks him with apples and badly injures him.

Why does the family begin working?

Gregor can no longer support them financially.

What role does music play?

Grete's violin reminds Gregor of his humanity.

Why do the lodgers leave?

They are disgusted when they see Gregor.

Why does Grete say Gregor must go?

She believes he is no longer truly her brother.

How does Gregor die?

He dies alone from neglect and emotional suffering.

How does the family react to his death?

They feel relieved and hopeful for the future.

What is the theme of alienation?

Gregor is isolated physically and emotionally from others.

How does Kafka explore dehumanization?

Gregor is treated as useful only when he can work.

What does the transformation symbolize?

It can symbolize isolation, illness, depression, or worthlessness.

How does the novella critique capitalism?

Work matters more than Gregor's well-being or humanity.

What role does guilt play?

Gregor constantly feels guilty for burdening others.

How is family obligation portrayed?

The family values Gregor mainly for financial support.

What does Gregor's room symbolize?

It reflects his isolation and loss of identity.

What is the significance of food?

Gregor's food preferences show his growing separation from humanity.

What theme is shown through communication failure?

People fail to truly understand one another.

How does the ending reflect rebirth?

The family begins a hopeful new life after Gregor dies.

What do the apples symbolize?

Punishment, rejection, and lasting pain.

What does Grete's violin symbolize?

Beauty, emotion, and Gregor's remaining humanity.

Why is Gregor's insect form symbolic?

It reflects how insignificant and trapped he feels.

What does the father's uniform symbolize?

Authority and regained power.

What does the window symbolize?

Gregor's fading connection to freedom and society.

What does 'Kafkaesque' mean?

Absurd, oppressive, and nightmare-like situations.

Why is Kafka's tone important?

The calm tone makes the strange events more unsettling.

Why is the transformation unexplained?

Kafka focuses on reactions, not causes.

How does point of view affect the story?

Readers sympathize with Gregor through his perspective.

What genre is The Metamorphosis?

Absurdist, existential, and modernist fiction.

Why is the opening sentence important?

It immediately introduces the absurd situation.

Why is 'I can't make you understand' important?

It highlights Gregor's isolation.

Why is Grete calling Gregor 'it' important?

It shows his complete dehumanization.

Is Gregor still human after transforming?

Emotionally yes, even if physically changed.

Why is Gregor sympathetic?

He sacrifices everything for others and is rejected.

What makes the novella tragic?

Gregor is discarded once he is no longer useful.

What is Kafka suggesting about society?

Society values productivity over humanity.

Why is the novella still studied?

Its themes of isolation and pressure remain relevant today.