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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 is one of his former human habits that Gregor loses post-transformation?

3. What does Gregor lose interest in once he becomes a beetle?

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

5. How is The Metamorphosis described in the modern age of literature?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Gregor die and why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How is The Metamorphosis structurally divided?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gregor makes an eloquent speech about the hardships of a traveling salesman when the Chief Clerk visits his home. To what extent has Gregor's job disabled him from having a fulfilling life? Think in terms of Gregor's family, friends, and relationships with people. Use examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Gregor lives in a dark universe where all of his most irrational thoughts are manifested to be true. Substantiate this statement to be true or false. Using specific examples from The Metamorphosis, prove or disprove this statement.

Essay Topic 3

Towards the end of The Metamorphosis, Grete and Mr. Samsa appear to shift roles. Mr. Samsa goes from being the least sympathetic to the most. Grete shifts from the most sympathetic to the least. Using examples from the text, discuss how and why this shift occurs throughout the book.

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