The Metamorphosis Part 1

What are Gregor's thoughts and impressions when he wakes up to find himself transformed into an insect?

Gregor at first seems a little surprised and thinks he may have been dreaming, but as he looks around his room and feels the strange sensations of his new body, he realizes that he has not been dreaming—that he is indeed an insect.

What kind of work did Gregor do before his metamorphosis?

Gregor worked as a traveling salesman

What are Gregor's obligations to his family before his transformation into an insect?

Gregor was the sole support of his family. He paid the rent, all the bills, and he was paying off his parents' private debts to the chief of his firm.

What are some of the things that Gregor hopes for?

Gregor hopes one day to leave his job for good. His fondest wish is to send his sister, Grete, to music school to study the violin. He hopes to free himself from all his family's obligations and from his parents' dependency on him.

Who sends Grete to get the doctor? The locksmith?

Mrs. Samsa sends Grete for the doctor, while Mr. Samsa sends the servant girl, Anna, for the locksmith.

How would you describe the chief clerk?

The chief clerk is a serious man, all business. He doesn't tolerate any nonsense and seems humorless, threatening, and two-dimensional.

What two contradictory goals does Gregor seem to be striving for throughout the story?

Gregor seems to want to withdraw from the world and to be isolated from it, while at the same time he has an irrepressible need to be loved and understood.

Why does Gregor finally decide to reveal himself to the chief clerk and his parents?

He wants to see their reaction and is curious to know what they'll say about him

How does the chief clerk threaten Gregor?

He tells Gregor that his work has fallen off and that he is in jeopardy of losing his position with the firm. Plus, people at work suspect him of stealing money.

What is the chief clerk's reaction when he sees Gregor?

The chief clerk is speechless and reacts with shock and horror.

How do Mr. and Mrs. Samsa react when they see Gregor for the first time?

Mrs. Samsa collapses on the floor and buries her face on her breast, while Mr. Samsa looks angrily at Gregor and begins to cry.

Why can't Gregor explain himself to the chief clerk?

Gregor can't explain himself to the chief clerk because the chief clerk is not listening and because Gregor's speech is unintelligible to him.

What are some of the things Gregor tries to tell the chief clerk?

Gregor tries to remind the chief clerk that he is often the target of unfounded rumors and malicious attacks. He begs the chief clerk to have some compassion for him, and he reminds him that he has to provide for his family's welfare.

Who knocks over the coffee pot?

Mrs. Samsa, in her panic and confusion, knocks over the coffee pot.

What causes Mrs. Samsa to collapse to the floor?

Seeing Gregor for the first time, Mrs. Samsa at first stares incredulously at him and then falls to the floor.

How does Mr. Samsa force Gregor back into his room?

Mr. Samsa chases Gregor back into his room with a walking stick, rolled up newspaper and by stamping his feet and hissing savagely.

What happens to Gregor as he is being driven back into his room?

Gregor gets caught in the doorway as he is being driven back into his room.

In what ways has Gregor been alienated from society?

Gregor has been rejected by his parents and by the chief clerk, who symbolizes the outside world of business and finance.

How have the roles within the Samsa family changed?

The roles within the Samsa family have been completely reversed. The parents, who had lived off Gregor for five years, now realize that their helpless son can no longer provide for them and they must find a way to support not only themselves and their daughter, but their son as well.

What is the major theme of the story?

The major theme of the story is change.