Metamorphosis Symbols Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the apple symbolize in Metamorphosis?

Connection with nature

Life and happiness

The beginning of exile from Gregor's family (correct)

Transformation and change

What does blindness symbolize in regards to Gregor?

Alone after he changed

What do the lodgers symbolize in Metamorphosis?

Power and control (correct)

Isolation and despair

Family and unity

Freedom and independence

What does Gregor's room door symbolize?

The divide between Gregor and his family Signup and view all the answers

What does the hospital symbolize in Metamorphosis?

Help which Gregor could not reach Signup and view all the answers

What does Gregor's job symbolize?

Isolation and sadness Signup and view all the answers

What do Gregor's problems with his boss symbolize?

The problems with capitalism Signup and view all the answers

What do jobs symbolize during the time of the industrial revolution?

Importance of work in life Signup and view all the answers

What do the various rooms in the house symbolize in relation to Gregor's room?

Gregor's central role in the family Signup and view all the answers

What does Gregor's metamorphosis symbolize?

Alienation in his life Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Symbolic Elements in Metamorphosis

Apple: Represents the beginning of Gregor's exile from his family, paralleling the biblical story of Adam and Eve's exile following the consumption of the forbidden apple.
Blindness/Nearsightedness: Reflects Gregor's isolation after his transformation; his nearsightedness symbolizes his singular focus on work and neglect of his new reality as an insect.
The Lodgers: Shift authority dynamics within the household, exerting control over Gregor's family despite being outsiders. They symbolize the inversion of familial roles.
Gregor's Room Door: Acts as a barrier that signifies the disconnect between Gregor and his family, emphasizing his alienation.
The Hospital: Represents unattainable help; it embodies Gregor's longing for assistance, which remains forever out of reach.
Gregor's Job: As a traveling salesman, it symbolizes his pre-existing isolation and despair, illustrating his detachment even before his physical transformation.
Gregor's Boss: Critiques capitalism; the pressure of potential job loss highlights the harsh realities and lack of empathy in the capitalist system.
Jobs: Reflects societal values of the time; work serves as a core aspect of life during the Industrial Revolution, influencing individual identities and relationships.
Various Rooms in the House: The structure of Gregor's room suggests its central location, indicating his importance to the family despite their desire to distance themselves from him.
Metamorphosis: Gregor's transformation into a bug symbolizes profound alienation and estrangement experienced in his existence.

Description

Explore key symbols from Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' through engaging flashcards. This quiz highlights significant symbols like the apple, blindness, and the lodgers, examining their meanings and implications within the story. Perfect for literature students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic work.