Summary of The Metamorphosis and discussion questions

First published in 1915, this is the story of Gregor Samsa, a young traveling salesman who lives with and financially supports his parents and younger sister. One morning he wakes up to discover that during the night he has been transformed into a "monstrous vermin" or insect. At first he is preoccupied with practical, everyday concerns: How to get out of bed and walk with his numerous legs? Can he still make it to the office on time?
Soon his abilities, tastes, and interests begin to change. No one can understand his insect-speech. He likes to scurry under the furniture and eat rotten scraps of food. Gregor's family, horrified that Gregor has become an enormous insect, keep him in his bedroom and refuse to interact with him. Only his sister Grete demonstrates concern by bringing his food each day.
When Gregor breaks out one day and scurries into the living room, his father throws apples to chase him away. One becomes embedded in his back. Eventually the apple becomes rotten and infected; Gregor wastes away. When he dies the cleaning woman throws his remains into the garbage.First published in 1915, this is the story of Gregor Samsa, a young traveling salesman who lives with and financially supports his parents and younger sister. One morning he wakes up to discover that during the night he has been transformed into a "monstrous vermin" or insect. At first he is preoccupied with practical, everyday concerns: How to get out of bed and walk with his numerous legs? Can he still make it to the office on time?
Soon his abilities, tastes, and interests begin to change. No one can understand his insect-speech. He likes to scurry under the furniture and eat rotten scraps of food. Gregor's family, horrified that Gregor has become an enormous insect, keep him in his bedroom and refuse to interact with him. Only his sister Grete demonstrates concern by bringing his food each day.
When Gregor breaks out one day and scurries into the living room, his father throws apples to chase him away. One becomes embedded in his back. Eventually the apple becomes rotten and infected; Gregor wastes away. When he dies the cleaning woman throws his remains into the garbage.

Questions for discussion

Do you have sympathy for Gregor? If so, why? If not, why not?


How does Gregor feel about his job? What evidence in the story reveals his feelings?


People changed into animals or animals turned into people is a common fairy tale theme. What ways is The Metamorphosis like fairy tales we know and in what ways is it different?


What is Gregor's family situation like?

There will be a live audio and text discussion of The Metamorphosis on Wednesday, June 27th at 3:00 p.m CDT. It will take place at http://www.opal-online.org/ in the auditorium. Everyone welcome!

Time and place of future live chats and in-person discussions will be determined by the participants of the Numéro Book Club so please let me know which format works best for you. You can vote in the poll at the left or send an email to numerobookclub@gmail.com