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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. How does Gregor become injured after emerging from his room for the first time?

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

3. What creates the high level of tension and suspense in the story?

4. Why does Gregor try to save some of his belongings that Grete is attempting to dispose of?

5. What will the Gregor family have no way of knowing with regards to the beetle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens each time Gregor emerges from his room with only the best intentions?

2. What disparity exists for Gregor throughout The Metamorphosis that creates tension within the story?

3. Why is Grete ultimately the final authority on whether or not the beetle is Gregor and Gregor the beetle?

4. What is Gregor's transformation a possible symbol for?

5. What is shocking to the reader in the first part of The Metamorphosis after Gregor wakes up to his new insect body?

6. Why was Gregor's family financially dependent on him pre-transformation?

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

8. How is The Metamorphosis structurally divided?

9. What does the visit of the Chief Clerk serve to represent within The Metamorphosis?

10. What is the main aspect of the plot that is developed as the narrative progresses?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gregor is the only truly sympathetic character in The Metamorphosis. Prove or disprove this statement with specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

The first thing Gregor thinks about after realizing his transformation is his job and the fact that he has missed the train. Why is this shocking to the reader? What kind of comment does this make on Gregor's life? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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