Plot Points
What does Gregor’s sister begin doing every day to care for him?
She brings him food.
Which character shows the most compassion for Gregor early in Part 2?
Grete
What does Gregor’s room represent throughout Part 2?
His isolation and imprisonment.
“He was filled with tenderness and love.” Who is this describing, and why is it ironic?
Gregor—because his family no longer feels tenderness for him.
What theme does Gregor’s transformation highlight about human identity?
That identity can be dehumanized by work and family expectations.
Why does Gregor hide under the couch when Grete comes into the room?
He doesn’t want to frighten her with his appearance.
How does Grete’s attitude toward Gregor change throughout Part 2?
She shifts from caring and protective to annoyed and resentful.
What does the apple stuck in Gregor’s back symbolize?
His father’s rejection and punishment, as well as lasting guilt.
When Grete says Gregor must be gotten rid of, what does this reveal about her?
She’s lost sympathy and sees him as a burden, not a brother.
What does Grete’s changing role represent in the family dynamic?
The shift of responsibility and the family’s adaptation to loss.
What does Gregor’s mother want to do that Grete disagrees with?
See Gregor after his transformation.
How does Gregor’s father act toward him in Part 2?
Aggressively—he attacks Gregor with apples.
The removal of Gregor’s furniture symbolizes what?
The loss of his humanity and his family’s hope for his recovery.
“He would rather stay in his room forever.” What does this quote show about Gregor’s mindset?
His acceptance of isolation and loss of hope.
What larger theme does the family’s rejection of Gregor explore?
Alienation and lack of empathy within modern society.
Why does Grete stop cleaning Gregor’s room as often?
She becomes disgusted and tired of caring for him.
What injury does Gregor sustain from his father’s attack?
An apple lodges in his back and causes an infection.
What does the violin represent for Gregor?
Beauty, connection, and his longing for human emotion.
Why does Gregor react emotionally to the sound of the violin?
It reminds him of human connection and beauty—what he has lost.
How does Kafka critique society through Gregor’s work situation?
He shows how dehumanizing labor destroys individuality and compassion.
What significant change happens when the family removes Gregor’s furniture?
It symbolizes the family giving up on his humanity and his connection to his past life.
How does the family’s financial situation change after Gregor’s transformation?
They take on jobs—father returns to work, mother sews, and Grete works in a shop.
The closed doors between Gregor and his family symbolize what broader idea?
Barriers in communication, empathy, and understanding.
How does Kafka use irony in Gregor’s continued concern for his family’s comfort?
Gregor worries about them even though they’ve rejected him, showing tragic selflessness.
What existential idea does Gregor’s situation reflect?
The absurdity of life and isolation of the individual in a meaningless world.