EWRT 1C Class

The Short Story

AGENDA Short Story Discussion: “The Metamorphosis” Questions QHQ Potential Theoretical Approaches

Summary Chapter Three

The final chapter of The Metamorphosis commences with a pitiful description of the wounded Gregor. For over a month, Gregor has limped about, dragging his insect body around the scarce space of his cramped room, trying to disregard the rotting apple, still undeniably and painfully embedded into his back. The only consolation is the fact that Gregor’s family is no longer afraid of him due to his weak condition. So, Gregor is allowed a view into the living room where he can watch his family and think of the life he could have lived.

Group Discussion

Questions for Thought

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?

Potential Theoretical Approaches

New CriticismPsychoanalytic

TheoryFeminist Theory