Things to Consider:

• Modernism 
• Alienation

• Explain how dread can be the only alternative to death for Kafka.
• According to Henzy, what is Kafka's true talent?

• What kind of insect has Gregor Samsa become?
• How is Gregor different from other commercial travellers?

• Why does the chief clerk come to Gregor's house?
• Why is Gregor so upset that it is the chief clerk, rather than an apprentice?

• Does Gregor's family really appreciate his efforts?  Why is there "no special uprush of warm feeling" (698)?

• Why does Gregor feel "so hot with shame and grief" (699)?  What does he have to be ashamed of?

• What does Gregor's mother help him remember?  How?

• Why are they all so happy at the end?

• How does Gregor open the door?

• Why does Gregor's father shoo him back to his room?

• Why does the cook quit?

• Why is Gregor's sister, Grete, even a month later, so startled by his appearance?

• Why does Gregor have trouble recognizing his father?
• Why does his father throw fruit at him?

• Why does Grete decide that they should get rid of Gregor?
• Why won't she call him by name?

• Why is Mr. Samsa so thankful that Gregor is dead?

• Is Gregor's family justified in their treatment of him?  Consider their behavior both before and after his metamorphosis.
• How does Gregor's position--both before and after his metamorphosis--parallel his father's, if at all?
• How does the relationship between Gregor and his father compare to the father-son relationships in Okonkwo's family in Things Fall Apart?
• WHY has Gregor changed into an insect?  What might this transformation represent?