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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. What kind of role does Gregor take over in the family in the third part of the book?

2. How does Gregor view the everyday routines of his life and the life of his family?

3. What skills do the women in Gregor's family provide?

4. What does Gregor believe the "little changes" of his body to be when he wakes up?

5. How does Gregor feel in regards to his family, following his transformation?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. Who ironically turns on Gregor in the third part of The Metamorphosis and why?

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

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

7. What does Grete believe will benefit Gregor and what does Gregor's mother believe will benefit Gregor?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The first thing Gregor thinks about after realizing his transformation is his job and the fact that he has missed the train. Why is this shocking to the reader? What kind of comment does this make on Gregor's life? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Gregor shares a history of misunderstandings with his father. Substantiate this statement with examples from the text that prove to the reader that Gregor and his father had a tumultuous relationship even before the transformation.

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This section contains 840 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample