1.     One scholar has written, “It is much too easy to see the Kafka name in “Samsa” — there was no effort by the author to hide the fact he was writing a story about his own emotional state. Kafka’s acute sense of alienation is well documented. In his diaries, he often compared himself to a bug, a worm, and other animals meant to generate disgust. There are many passages within the story worthy of in-depth analysis; I suggest students pay particular attention to Gregor’s relationships within the family. Kafka himself had one sister, Ottla, with whom he was particularly close. How does the story reflect the Kafka household? How do you think his family reacted to the tale? Did they see themselves clearly or miss the obvious?”  Contemplate and answer these questions. (http://www.tameri.com/csw/exist/kafka.shtml)

It shows that the Kafka household was probably dominated by the father, but dependent on Kafka, himself. Kafka was probably closest with his sister, but that he was not actually very close with his family. The family probably reacted negatively to the tale because it portrays the family in a negative way, especially the lack of family unity. Kafka also portrays his parents to be lazy and dependent upon him. They probably did not realize that the Kafka family was run this way until reading Kafka’s tale.

2.)   In the beginning of Part I we learn that Gregor is seldom home during the day, and has little knowledge of what goes on in his home since he is constantly working.  What is Gregor’s reaction when he discovers what daily life is like for the Samsas?

Gregor is surprised when realizes that while he is out working hard all day to provide for his family, his family is actually at home being lazy, doing nothing more than eating and sleeping.

3.)   Find and discuss at least four things that are abnormal about Gregor and his family’s reaction to his metamorphosis. 

Gregor’s appetite changes when he begins to despise foods, which were once his favorite, and in effect begins to enjoy foods he once detested. While all of Gregor’s family members are afraid of him, including his sister, his sister steps up and helps to take care of him, making sure he is comfortable and as happy as he can be. Gregor’s father behaves very violently towards Gregor even though he knows that this bug is really his son. Before Gregor became a bug, he would wake up extremely early and was always working very hard. Once he becomes a bug, however, he lies around the house doing basically nothing. The most work he does is crawling around the walls. This is a drastic change for Gregor who is used to running around constantly and working hard.

4.)   Do you think Gregor’s alienation from his family and from himself is a common malady of modern life?  Why or why not?  Feel free to recount a story you have heard that supports your answer.

Gregor’s alienation from his family is a common malady of modern life because when people grow up they tend to move away from their families, growing more dependent on themselves. For example, as we go off to college, we are forced to grow away from our parents and families and learn to be independent.

5.)   A lot has been made about Gregor’s transformation from human to animal in Kafka’s Metamorphosis.  There is a physical transformation and an emotional one.  When do you think these transformations occur?  Does Gregor ever really transform into an insect?  What would his family think about this?

Gregor’s physical transformation occurs eight days after he returns from his last business trip, but his emotional transformation does not occur until a few days after his physical one. Gregor, however, does not actually become an insect because he can still think like a human even though he has different desires. He shows that he still cares about his family when he tries to make his situation as comfortable for them as he can. This is not something an insect would do. Gregor’s family does not actually realize this because they do not know that he can understand them and can still think like himself. All they see is what Gregor has become on the outside.