Chapter 1
What is the first thing Gregor notices when he wakes up?
His metamorphosis
Who becomes responsible for feeding Gregor?
Grete
This character is hardworking and financially supports the family.
Gregor
Gregor’s transformation symbolizes this major theme of modern life.
Alienation
Discuss whether Gregor’s transformation is physical, psychological, or both.
Likely both; the story is auto biographical
What is Gregor’s main concern immediately after realizing his transformation?
Missing work/being late
Gregor will not eat unless the food is ____ or ______.
rotten or spoiled
This character grows more confident and responsible in Gregor’s absence.
Grete
Gregor’s inability to communicate represents this deeper theme.
Breakdown of human connection / isolation.
Argue whether Gregor was already inhuman before his transformation.
He was not, but continues to be disconnected in his life after his metamorphosis
Why does Gregor have to work such a difficult job?
To pay off his parents' debt
Why does Gregor hide under the sofa when Grete enters his room?
He does not want to frighten her
This character faints upon seeing Gregor for the first time
Gregor's mother
The family’s dependence on Gregor reflects this theme.
Burden of responsibility / exploitation.
Explain how the family structure reveals the theme of duty and sacrifice.
The family structure is hierarchical and based on gender - it must be the man who takes the lead role, and when he cannot, the next comes after
What is the chief clerk’s attitude when he arrives at Gregor’s home?
Suspicious, accusatory, and impatient.
______ throws _____ at Gregor until _____ begs them to stop.
This happens as a result of Grete's anger.
Gregor's father throws apples at Gregor until Gregor's mother begs them to stop.
The chief clerk symbolizes:
Pressure, surveillance, and dehumanizing work expectations.
Gregor’s insect body versus human mind expresses this theme
Identity crisis / conflict between self and role.
Analyze whether Grete is a sympathetic character in Chapters 1–2.
She...well...yes, I'd argue she is
I hear you if you say no, but she still cares for her brother. She just gets more frustrated over time, resulting in her going against his metamorphosis.
How does Gregor’s family respond the moment he opens the door?
They panic; his mother faints, the clerk flees, and his father drives him back.
What does Grete’s decision to remove Gregor’s furniture symbolize?
Her attempt to adapt his room to his insect life / erasing his human identity.
This quality of life was passed down from his father to Gregor, causing his life to be quite ______
Pathetic
The family’s shifting behavior toward Gregor highlights this theme about human nature.
Conditional love / utilitarian relationships.
Evaluate how Kafka uses Gregor’s transformation to criticize modern work culture.
One person should not slave themselves away for family, and others should not feel burdened by helping out