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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 act toward his mother?

2. What causes The Lodgers to eventually leave the family's home?

3. What can Gregor's family not perceive about the beetle?

4. What does Gregor assume his family will do when they see his transformation?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What prevents Gregor from communicating with his family pre-transformation?

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

8. What does the visit of the Chief Clerk serve to represent within The Metamorphosis?

9. What disparity exists for Gregor throughout The Metamorphosis that creates tension within the story?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is the life Gregor lives following his transformation an exaggeration of the issues he struggled with in his family, job, relationships, etc. prior to his transformation? Cite specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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