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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 is Gregor's first thought interpreted after realizing his transformation?

2. What aspect of the story is developed throughout The Metamorphosis?

3. What prevents Gregor from really communicating with his family members?

4. What does the Chief Clerk's visit show about the relationship Gregor has with those around him?

5. Who is the person who gets closest to the idea that Gregor understands them?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What question might Kafka be posing to the reader with the scene involving Grete's violin serenade and Gregor's and The Lodgers' reactions to it?

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

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

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

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

7. As the third part of The Metamorphosis opens, what creates a sense of tragedy and despair?

8. What is the cause for Gregor's transformation into a giant beetle?

9. What does Gregor lose about himself in the second part of the story?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Gregor's death voluntary or a result of the ill treatment he suffered from his family? Support either side with specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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