ESTABLISHED GOALS
Students will study the symbolism, setting, and characterization in Kafka's work.
Students will be able to explain the symbolism of Gregor's metamorphosis.
Students will be able to explain how society/family/stress/environment contributes to Gregor's demise.
Students will analyze literary elements and universal themes in the novel.
JOURNALS
Describe a time you were isolated from your family.
Describe a time you felt like an
outcast.
Describe what makes humans different from animals.
Describe a time you were disappointed with yourself.
Describe a time you felt like a burden.
Describe a time you sacrificed something for someone you loved.
Describe a time your living conditions were unbearable.
Describe a time
you came to a better understanding of your family.
Describe a time your family came together in a positive way.
Describe a time your family was divided.
ACTIVITIES
Students will keep a journal that will take events from the novel and their personal lives.
Students will analyze how economic distress can transform individuals and whole societies and how these transformations affect the world.
Students will conduct close readings of non-fiction articles that relate to societal themes in the novel.
Students will examine their own personal transformations and will examine what contributes to their own transformations.
TOPICS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
What did you first think Gregor was as you began reading? Why?
Have you ever felt isolated from a person or group? Why? How did you feel?
As Gregor loses his humanity, do you think Kafka is really saying something about society and the effects we have on others?
Comprehension Activites
What is the setting of the novel? Draw a map of the setting.
Who is the main character? Complete a characterization chart.
Discuss the things in Gregor's bedroom, especially the picture of the girl.
Why does Kafka choose to have Gregor change into a dung beetle.
What negative effects has Gregor suffered as a result of the change?
Define symbolism. Identify the major symbols in the novel.
How does Gregor's family respond to Gregor's change? Is this surprising?
How does the family contribute to his change and his continual loss of human memory and instinct? Analyze character motivation. Look at the motivations of each family member.
Pay attention to the setting. Gregor's environment changes, becoming more empty. Why is his sister removing furniture. What emotions are evoked in Gregor?
Gregor's father is especially violent towards him and provides a terrible physical injury. What may this symbolize?
Evaluate the novel's ending. Was Kafka's choice of death necessary?
Students should rewrite the ending of the novel. The length of this assignment can certainly vary. Students must include the parents and sister in this ending in addition to Gregor.
ASSESSMENTS
How does Kafka develop the plot and increase suspense in the novel. Defining suspense would be expected as well as targeting the development of at least one major character.
Address Kafka's intentions in writing this story. Why did Kafka choose the ending we have? How would the effect of the story differ if Gregor lived happily ever after? These questions lead to a critical analysis of the book, the writer, and the elements incorporated.
Decide who is most guilty in this story as if a trial were to be acted out. Have students write a statement defending the guilty party and a statement for the state reviewing Gregor's maltreatment.
Trace the motif of money in the novel. Write down five quotes that refer to money in chapter 1. Explain each reference to money. What does it show about the novel? What does it show about the characters?
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