TODAY IN CLASS--

1) Hand-out of "Sonny's Blues" passages to ponder; today we just used it for finishing the story's ending (with particular reference to the "cup of trembling") but hand on to it for future reference.

2) Group discussion of the following questions from Part I of "The Metamophosis."  If you are reading this at home, you need to take notes on these (keep in your notebook; no need to tear out).  The point in class today was thorough coverage of some of the story's details, together with whatever side paths your group's discussion might take.  But if you missed that, you really need to study the story carefully with these in mind.

We'll discuss a couple of these tomorrow, but mostly this work was an "on your own" proposition.

Part I of ”The Metamorphosis”

1. Assess Gregor’s initial reaction to his own change. Does his response seem “normal” to you?  (Not that there’s any certain standard for judging normalcy in a situation like this . . . )

2.  Trace the reactions/responses of Gregor’s mother, father, and sister throughout the course of Part I.

3. Trace what happens to Gregor’s sensory perceptions and skills during Part I; consider both losses and gains.

4. You might have thought Gregor was exaggerating his fears/expectations about how his office would react to his absence/missing the train.  He wasn’t.  How does the family respond to the [manager?  Chief clerk?  What is the term in your translation?]?  What makes him leave?

5.  What do we know about Gregor’s life as a person based on Part 1?

6.  The picture in the frame in Gregor’s room:  ???

7. Draw a sketch of the lay-out of the Samsa apartment.

8.  Discuss the humor of Part I; give examples.

9.  Analyze the ending of Part I—the interaction between Gregor and his father.

FOR TOMORROW

Read Part II, and use these questions as a study guide.  There won't be group time with these, but we will move directly from whatever we do with Part I together on to a whole-class discussion with these question as a springboard (not the end-goal).

Study Questions for Part II of “The Metamorphosis”

1. Who feeds Gregor?  How is the choice of food changed?  Why does he stay under the sofa when his food arrives?  How important is food to Gregor?

2. As Gregor listens to the family discussion about their financial situation, what does he learn?  How does he react to this?  Is his relationship with his family changing?  Is he simply becoming aware of what the relationship has always been?

3. Why do his sister and mother decide to move the furniture from his room?  How does Gregor feel about this?  What does he do?  Why?

4. How does his mother react at the sight of Gregor?  Note that this is the first time she has directly addressed him.  What is her attitude? 

5. Explain the attitudes shown in the father-daughter dialogue when Gregor’s sister says, “Gregor’s broken loose.”  What does the verb suggest?  His father replies, “Just as I expected. . . “What does he mean?  Why does he say this?  Describe his tone.  Is it appropriate?

6.  Summarize the apple-throwing scene.  Does the father feel threatened?  Why does he do this?  Can’t he see that Gregor is trying to get back to his room?

Just FYI--the third part of "Metamorphosis" needs to be read by Tuesday.  (There is a different activity for Monday.)