Historical Context
Where was Kafka born?
Prauge, Czechia
In The Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find that he has transformed into this
Insect- beetle
Gregor’s job as a salesman reflects the growing demands of this economic system?
Capitalism
Gregor’s transformation represents his loss of this fundamental human characteristic
identity
New Historicism argues that literary works like The Metamorphosis are products of this
Historical context
What year did Kafka write "The Metamorphosis"
1915
Gregor Samsa’s occupation before his transformation was as a traveling what?
Salesman
The family's treatment of Gregor post-transformation reflects the way society values individuals based on their...
Economic contributions
Gregor’s family locks him away in his room after his transformation, symbolizing society’s tendency to do this to people who no longer fit its norms
Exclude
A New Historicist would point to this key historical event as an influence on The Metamorphosis
WW1 or the Industrial Revolution
The Metamorphosis, was influenced by the rising political tensions in Europe due to this event
WW1
Following Gregors transformation, what role does his sister take?
Caregiver
Gregor’s alienation from his family mirrors the isolation felt by many individuals in this time period due to the rise of this economic system
Capitalism
What theme is highlighted by Gregor’s inability to communicate with his family
Isolation
From a New Historicist perspective, Gregor’s transformation could reflect the anxieties of this emerging political movement in Europe.
Socialism/Marxism
During this time period what political ideology was on the rise
Socialism
Gregor’s father displays violence toward him after the transformation by throwing what at him?
Apples
Kafka critiques bureaucracy in The Metamorphosis by showing how Gregor’s employer only values him for this
His productivity
The Samsa family’s gradual abandonment of Gregor reflects this theme, common in capitalist societies where people are valued based on their economic output
Utilitarianism
The Metamorphosis reflects Kafka’s response to the rise of this societal system
Bureaucracy
What was Kafka's fathers profession
Businessman
What does Gregor's mother represent following Gregor's transformation?
Helplessness/maternal suffering
Gregor’s eventual death can be interpreted as Kafka’s critique of this dehumanizing consequence of capitalist society...
Alienation/ exploitation
Gregor’s final resting place in his room could symbolize this
Societal indifference
A New Historicist might argue that Gregor’s relationship with his family mirrors this specific historical tension
Authoritarianism