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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. Why might Gregor not be reacting to his newly transformed body?

2. What happens to Gregor in the third part of The Metamorphosis?

3. What question does Kafka pose with the scene of Grete playing her violin and The Lodgers' reaction?

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

5. How is a sense of grim, hopeless desperation developed in the third part of The Metamorphosis?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who has a small inkling that Gregor might understand them and why is this character an ironic choice for this revelation?

3. What does the reader learn about Gregor's character through his thoughts as he lies in bed?

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

5. What does Gregor believe about his family that reflects on his optimistic personality?

6. What prevents Gregor from communicating with his family pre-transformation?

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

8. If his speech could be understood, what would his words to the Chief Clerk and his family have served to do?

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

10. How does Gregor die and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Communication is the key to solving any problem. However, Gregor is unable to communicate with his family during and following his transformation into a beetle. Use scenes and examples from the text that justify the inability to communicate as the crux of all conflict in The Metamorphosis.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the irony of Grete's designation as Gregor's caretaker. Why is she designated his caretaker? What instances show the irony of the situation? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answer.

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This section contains 927 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample