These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novella.

Post-Reading Analysis

Perhaps the most devastating part of Gregor’s transformation is his loss of human speech. How does this shape him as a character, and how does this change his role in the family? What does it mean to become voiceless?

Teaching Suggestion: What Samsa loses, more than anything, is his agency, though it may be argued that he never had any to begin with. Thinking this through with students may help them better understand the central metaphor of the story.

Personal Response Prompt

How did Gregor Samsa’s treatment by his employer resonate with you? How does his predicament represent some of the problems with contemporary relationships between employees and employers?

Teaching Suggestion: This question will be especially useful for high school or college students who have worked in lower wage jobs and will likely have strong opinions on any Kafkaesque experiences they have had.