5. Summary Chapter One
Gregor Samson goes to bed one night
and wakes up, late for work, as a
cockroach. We learn that Gregor is a
traveling salesman. He hates his job but
feels obligated to perform it because of
his parents. They are indebted to his
boss, and because of their advanced age
it is left to Gregor to fulfill their debt.
He spends day after day at this work,
consumed yet unfulfilled. He has not
missed a day of work in five years.
6. Summary Chapter 2
Chapter 2 starts the day after
Gregor undergoes his
metamorphosis. The first hints of
loneliness overtake him when
neither his sister nor his parents
come to visit him. However, his
loneliness is replaced by elation
when his sister Grete makes an
effort to visit him. Despite
Gregor’s drastic change, Grete’s
compassion for Gregor remains.
7. Summary Chapter Three
The final chapter of The Metamorphosis
commences with a pitiful description of the
wounded Gregor. For over a month,
Gregor has limped about, dragging his
insect body around the scarce space of his
cramped room, trying to disregard the
rotting apple, still undeniably and painfully
embedded into his back. The only
consolation is the fact that Gregor’s family
is no longer afraid of him due to his weak
condition. So, Gregor is allowed a view
into the living room where he can watch his
family and think of the life he could have
lived.
9. Questions from Section 1
1. Discuss the details Kafka uses to establish Gregor’s life
before his metamorphosis into an insect. How do these
familiar details and objects define Gregor’s character and
life?
2. The relationship between Gregor and his father is at the
core of the story. Describe this relationship both before
and after Gregor’s metamorphosis.
3. Much of this part of the story, focuses on Gregor’s inner
life. Describe Gregor’s private thoughts and emotions;
use psychoanalytic theory to discuss his attitudes toward
his family and outside world.
10. Questions from Section 2
1. Grete’s character undergoes a dramatic change in section 2.
Trace the changes that highlight the changes in her attitude,
character, and personality. Can feminist theory help explain
her behavior?
2. Gregor refuses to part with the picture of the woman wrapped
in furs on the wall. Why is it important? Explain its symbolic
meaning.
1. In section 2 of the story, Gregor’s sense of guilt is highlighted.
Use Psychoanalytic theory to explain Gregor’s guilt. Consider
how his lingering guilt affects his state of mind and his feelings
toward his family.
11. Questions from Section 3
Discuss the three bearded lodgers. What is their purpose in the
story?
It is clear from the outset of Part 3 that Gregor is dying. How
much of his physical decline is his own doing, and how much of
it is caused by outside factors?
Contrast Gregor’s state of mind at the beginning of this section
to right before his death. What incidents or events cause a
change in Gregor’s attitude and thinking? Are Gregor’s
thoughts rational and clear, or are they blurred and irrational?
12. Themes and Characters
Alienation
Father-Son
Antagonism
Escapism
Isolation
Self-sacrifice
Betrayal
Gregor Samsa
Grete Samsa
Mr. Samsa
Anna Samsa
The Chief Clerk
Three Lodgers
Charwoman
