Setting
This European city, where Kafka lived, serves as the implied setting of The Metamorphosis.
What is Prague?
Gregor struggles to open the door on the morning he is late for this reason.
What is having trouble using his insect body?
This family member becomes Gregor’s primary caregiver.
Who is Grete?
Gregor’s transformation into a bug symbolizes this broader theme that we talked about a lot.
What is alienation?
This specific room in the Samsa household becomes Gregor’s prison after his transformation.
What is Gregor's bedroom?
Gregor’s family depends on his income from this profession before his transformation.
What is a traveling salesman?
Gregor wishes to send Grete to this kind of school.
What is music school?
This item, thrown by Gregor’s father, symbolizes rejection or evil and inflicts a lasting injury.
What is an apple?
This action, involving Gregor’s furniture, may symbolize the loss of his connection to his human past.
What is his sister's clearing out his room?
Gregor’s father injures him with this object during a confrontation.
What is an apple?
Gregor’s mother reacts in this way when she first sees his transformed appearance.
What is fainting?
This painting in Gregor’s room may symbolize his inner clinging to humanity despite his new 'exterior'
What is the painting of the woman in furs?
Gregor resists the removal of this object from his room, perhaps because it represents his humanity.
What is the painting of a woman in furs?
Gregor reacts to Grete’s violin playing by doing this.
What is leaving his room to get closer to her?
This accusation is made against Gregor by the office manager during his visit.
Gregor’s preference for hiding under the sofa may symbolize this aspect of his transformation.
What is his alienation, loss of self-confidence, and/or need for security?
Gregor prefers to stay in this part of his room, which gives him a sense of security.
What is under the sofa?
This is how Gregor eventually dies.
What is the lodged apple and/or neglect
After Gregor’s death, his family does this to celebrate their newfound freedom.
What is spending a relaxing day together?
Gregor’s inability to eat the fresh food his sister provides may symbolize this aspect of his transformation.