Plot
What causes Gregor to miss his job for the first time?
Transformation to insect
What job did Gregor have before his transformation?
Traveling Salesman
What does the locked room symbolize in Gregor's life?
Isolation & alienation
What does Gregor’s sister, Grete, do to help him after his transformation?
Grete helps Gregor by bringing him food, cleaning his room, and trying to understand what he needs.
How does Gregor’s father react to him after the transformation?
After Gregor's transformation, his father becomes angry and aggressive. He sees Gregor as a threat and even attacks him, showing fear and resentment.
How does Gregor's inability to speak properly after his transformation symbolize his loss of control?
Gregor’s inability to speak properly symbolizes his loss of control because he can no longer express his thoughts, needs, or defend himself. It cuts him off from his family and the outside world, highlighting his isolation and helplessness.
How does Gregor’s family change their living situation as the story progresses?
As the story progresses, Gregor’s family takes in lodgers to earn money and moves into a smaller apartment to cut costs.
How does Grete's attitude toward Gregor change by the end of the story?
She becomes resentful and wants him gone
What does Gregor’s slow physical deterioration say about how emotional neglect and lack of purpose can affect a person?
Gregor’s slow physical deterioration reflects how emotional neglect and a lack of purpose can lead to a person’s mental and physical decline. As he is increasingly ignored and treated as a burden, his health worsens.
What happens at the end of the story? How does the family react to Gregor's death?
At the end of the story, Gregor dies alone in his room. His family feels relieved by his death and immediately begins to focus on their own future, even going out for a walk together and thinking about a better life.
What role does Gregor’s mother play in the family’s reaction to his transformation?
Gregor’s mother is torn between love for her son and fear of what he has become. She wants to help and protect him, but she’s also overwhelmed and frightened by his appearance. Her role is mostly passive, and she gradually distances herself from him.
What does Gregor’s death represent in terms of family dynamics and societal expectations?
Gregor’s death represents the breaking point of his family’s reliance on him as the sole provider. It symbolizes how his worth was tied to his ability to work and support them. After his death, the family begins to focus on their own lives, losing any emotional attachment to Gregor.
What does Gregor overhear about his family’s financial situation, and how does it affect him?
Gregor overhears that his family has some savings and that they may not be as helpless as he thought. This makes him feel guilty and less important, deepening his sense of isolation and worthlessness.
How do the lodgers respond to Gregor, and how does this affect his family?
The lodgers are shocked and disgusted when they see Gregor. They immediately threaten to leave without paying rent. This embarrasses the family and pushes them to finally decide that Gregor must go, showing how much they care about appearances and money over Gregor.
Explain how Gregor's transformation is symbolic of alienation in modern society (4-6 sentences)
Example: Gregor's transformation into an insect symbolizes the alienation people experience in modern life. His identity is defined by his job; when he can no longer work, he becomes useless in the eyes of his family and society. This highlights how modern life often reduces people to their roles. His isolation mirrors the collapsion of relationships in a world focused on productivity and his absurd transformation reflects the existential uncertainty and meaninglessness many people feel in modern society.