This document provides an agenda for discussing Franz Kafka's short story "Metamorphosis". It includes a summary of Chapter 2, which describes Gregor Samsa's increasing loneliness after his transformation and his sister Grete's compassionate visit. Potential discussion questions are posed about Grete's character development, the symbolic meaning of a picture Gregor refuses to part with, and how psychoanalytic theory could explain Gregor's lingering guilt. Themes of alienation, father-son antagonism, escapism, isolation, self-sacrifice, and betrayal are highlighted. Students are assigned to read Chapter 3 and post a discussion response.

2. AGENDA
 Short Story Discussion:
 “Metamorphosis”
 Questions
 QHQ
 Themes and Characters

3. Summary Chapter 2
Chapter 2 starts the day after
Gregor undergoes his
metamorphosis. The first hints of
loneliness overtake him when
neither his sister nor his parents
come to visit him. However, his
loneliness is replaced by elation
when his sister Grete makes an
effort to visit him. Despite
Gregor’s drastic change, Grete’s
compassion for Gregor remains.

4. Group Discussion

5. Questions for Thought
 Grete’s character undergoes a dramatic change in this section.
Trace the changes that highlight the changes in her attitude,
character, and personality. Can feminist theory help explain
her behavior?
 Gregor refuses to part with the picture of the woman wrapped
in furs on the wall. Why is it important? Explain its symbolic
meaning.
 In this section of the story, Gregor’s sense of guilt is
highlighted. Use Psychoanalytic theory to explain Gregor’s
guilt. Consider how his lingering guilt affects his state of mind
and his feelings toward his family.

6. Themes and Characters
 Alienation
 Father-Son
Antagonism
 Escapism
 Isolation
 Self-sacrifice
 Betrayal
 Gregor Samsa
 Grete Samsa
 Mr. Samsa
 Anna Samsa
 The Chief Clerk
 Three Lodgers
 Charwoman

7. HOMEWORK
Read The Metamorphosis Chapter 3
Post #21: Choose 1
 Discuss the three bearded lodgers. What is
their purpose in the story?
 It is clear from the outset of Part 3 that
Gregor is dying. How much of his physical
decline is his own doing, and how much of it
is caused by outside factors?
 Contrast Gregor’s state of mind at the
beginning of this section to right before his
death. What incidents or events cause a
change in Gregor’s attitude and thinking?
Are Gregor’s thoughts rational and clear, or
are they blurred and irrational?