AGENDA Novella Discussion:

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

The Metamorphosis

Questions

Themes and Characters

Potential Theoretical Approaches

Final Comments

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

Who can offer a summary of The Metamorphosis?

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.

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.

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.

Group Discussion

Questions from Section 11. 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.

Questions from Section 21. 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.

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?

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

Potential Theoretical Approaches

New Criticism

Psychoanalytic Theory

Trauma Theory

Feminist Theory

HOMEWORK

Read NightThe first half of the novellaPost #20: QHQ Night