Metamorphosis Significant Quotes Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does the quote 'Seven o'clock already and still such a fog.' signify about Gregor's state of mind?

It shows the mood and reflects Gregor's lifelessness and confusion about being a giant bug.

What does Gregor's thought about the chief clerk reveal?

It shows his attempt to normalize his situation as a bug and that it could happen to anyone.

What does the quote 'Gregor was still here and hadn't the slightest thought of abandoning his family.' illustrate?

It illustrates how Gregor values his family and feels guilty for not being able to provide for them.

What does Gregor's desire to open the door and show himself to the chief clerk reveal?

It shows his eagerness for acceptance and illustrates his illogical attempts to connect with others. Signup and view all the answers

What does the description of the hospital signify?

It represents the help Gregor can see but cannot reach, symbolizing his despair. Signup and view all the answers

What does the photograph of Gregor in military service represent?

It represents his old life compared to his new life as a bug. Signup and view all the answers

What contrast does the quote about Gregor's foresight present?

It contrasts Gregor's clear understanding of the situation with his family's confusion. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gregor's mother's reaction to his appearance signify?

It shows her fear and the changing dynamics in their relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gregor's father's violent push symbolize?

It symbolizes the deepening conflict and the family's rejection of Gregor. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gregor's observation of family wanting to come into his room only when it was closed signify?

It signifies the superficiality of their concern and the reality of his isolation. Signup and view all the answers

How is Gregor's father characterized in relation to work?

He is described as lazy and not hard-working, relying on others. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the picture of the lady in fur hold for Gregor?

It represents the last bit of humanity and self-sufficiency he clings to. Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote about the mother noticing the gigantic brown spot indicate?

It shows her inability to ignore Gregor's presence anymore. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grete's aggressive behavior towards Gregor reflect her character transformation?

It shows her loss of compassion and the burden she feels from caring for him. Signup and view all the answers

What injury does Gregor experience and what does it symbolize?

He gets injured by falling objects, symbolizing his diminishing importance to the family. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gregor's feeling when he hears music indicate about his humanity?

It indicates that he still has some human emotions and desires. Signup and view all the answers

What does Grete's statement about the creature signify?

It signifies her rejection of Gregor and her decision to treat him as a burden. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Samsa's statement about thanking God for Gregor's death reveal?

It reveals the family's relief and lack of mourning over his death. Signup and view all the answers

What does the last paragraph after Gregor's death signify about his family?

It signifies warmth, freedom, and a new beginning for the family. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Quotes from Metamorphosis

"Seven o'clock already and still such a fog." indicates Gregor's confusion and lifelessness, with changing weather symbolizing his mental state.
"Gregor tried to imagine whether the chief clerk might not some day have an experience similar to his..." reflects his attempt to normalize his absurd transformation into a bug, showing his initial confusion.
"Gregor was still here and hadn't the slightest thought of abandoning his family." highlights his deep familial loyalty despite his new form, creating a sense of internal conflict regarding his inability to provide for them.
"He wanted actually to open the door..." reveals Gregor's desire for connection with his family but showcases his illogical reasoning as he tries to engage despite his transformation.
"...it had become much brighter outside; clearly visible on the other side of the street was a hospital..." symbolizes unreachable help and Gregor's longing for a normal life, with the hospital contrasting his persistent state of gloom.
"On the wall precisely opposite, hung a photograph of Gregor..." serves as a stark contrast between Gregor’s past and present, representing his loss of humanity and the nostalgia for a more powerful self.
"But Gregor possessed that foresight." underscores Gregor's clarity of thought compared to his family's confusion, portraying his evolving awareness of their disconnect.
"On the other side of the room his mother had torn open a window..." captures his mother's fear and the family's animalistic response, especially the father's more primal instinct to react violently.
"...then his father gave him a strong push from behind..." describes a violent yet oddly liberating moment for Gregor, emphasizing his comfort in isolation compared to the harsh reality outside.
"That morning, when the doors were locked..." suggests irony in longing for connection; people are drawn to him when he’s closed off but retreat once he opens up, symbolizing rejection stemming from his new appearance.
"The father was a healthy man, to be sure, but old..." critiques the father's laziness and dependency on Gregor’s earnings, enhancing the burden Gregor feels towards his family.
"And so he broke out..." involves Gregor’s desperate attachment to the woman in the picture as a symbol of his fading humanity, marking a critical moment in his emotional decline.
"Mother caught sight of the gigantic brown spot on the flowered wallpaper." illustrates the mother's denial, unable to fully acknowledge Gregor’s transformation and the family's deteriorating relationships.
"'Just wait, Gregor!'..." indicates Grete's shift towards aggression, showcasing how Gregor's burden has corrupted her compassion and altered their sibling relationship.
"A bottle fell to the floor and broke..." highlights Gregor's increasing neglect and vulnerability within the family dynamic, with helpful intentions somehow causing him harm.
"Yet Gregor had to tell himself that even the present activity would soon be too much for him..." signifies his resignation to his weakened state, reflecting a poignant surrender to his new reality.
"Was he an animal if music stirred him that way?" represents a duality in Gregor's identity, questioning his humanity amidst his animalistic condition, with music providing brief reminders of his past.
"'Dear parents,' the sister said... we have to try to get rid of it.'" marks a painful turning point, as Grete dehumanizes Gregor, conveying her exhaustion and cementing the family's decision to reject him.
"'Well,' said Mr.Samsa, 'now we can thank God.'" concludes with a chilling commentary on the family’s relief following Gregor's death, highlighting the burden of his existence.
Last paragraph on pg. 52 encapsulates the family's newfound freedom and warmth post-Gregor’s death, with a sense of optimism as they look toward the future, emphasizing the stark contrast to their previous life overshadowed by Gregor's presence.

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Description

Explore key quotes from Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' through these flashcards. Each quote is analyzed for its significance, revealing insights into Gregor Samsa's transformation and state of mind. Reflect on the changing moods and meanings throughout the story.