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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Gregor's metamorphosis symbolic of?

2. With what image does the story end?

3. What disservice do The Lodgers do to the family?

4. What does Gregor assure himself of after seeing his transformation?

5. What does the Chief Clerk's visit show about the relationship Gregor has with those around him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What could the interchange of roles between Grete and Gregor's father be Kafka's social commentary for?

2. As the third part of The Metamorphosis opens, what creates a sense of tragedy and despair?

3. What is the irony that exists for Grete being designated as Gregor's care taker and her interactions with him post-transformation?

4. What does Grete become a symbol of at the end of The Metamorphosis and why?

5. What kind of atmosphere does Gregor live in throughout the narrative?

6. What does Grete believe will benefit Gregor and what does Gregor's mother believe will benefit Gregor?

7. What is the cause for Gregor's transformation into a giant beetle?

8. What human capacity does Gregor keep as the narrative develops and how is this shown?

9. What are two failures that occur within the narrative?

10. What is the irony of Gregor attempting to hold on to something familiar and human in the second part of The Metamorphosis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is the life Gregor lives following his transformation an exaggeration of the issues he struggled with in his family, job, relationships, etc. prior to his transformation? Cite specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

In each of the three parts of The Metamorphosis, Gregor leaves his room only once. Each time Gregor leaves his room he is forced back into his room. Construct a thesis that links these three events together using specific examples from the text. What is the significance of these three occurrences in the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout The Metamorphosis Gregor's physique fights against his consciousness, creating tension between the other characters. Substantiate this statement with examples from the text.

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