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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 believe his family will react to his plight?

2. What do The Lodgers symbolize when they move into the family's home?

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

4. What does Grete try to convince her parents about Gregor?

5. What does Gregor's father not even consider doing when trying to get Gregor back into his room?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Gregor's effort to hold on to his human belongings and, thus, his humanity backfire?

2. What does Grete become a symbol of at the end of The Metamorphosis and why?

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

4. 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?

5. What does the reader learn about Gregor's character through his thoughts as he lies in bed?

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

9. What do Gregor's interactions with his father throughout The Metamorphosis illuminate for the reader?

10. How is The Metamorphosis structurally divided?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Metamorphosis is divided into three parts. Explain these three parts, their significance, and provide reasoning for why the novel is constructed this way.

Essay Topic 2

The Metamorphosis ends with an image of Grete's youth and health. What is the point of ending the book with this image? Does it wrap up the narrative? How? Support your answer with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the irony of Grete's designation as Gregor's caretaker. Why is she designated his caretaker? What instances show the irony of the situation? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answer.

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