1.In your notebook, write a three-paragraph summary of Parts I and II of the novella. In your summary, indicate which events occur in Part I and which events occur in Part II.
2.A dialectical notebook is a format using two columns to organize textual details in one column and reader commentary in the other column. The dialectical notebook is a useful tool for readers who will write literary analyses. In your notebook, create a dialectical notebook entry for Metamorphosis. Include 8–10 examples of characterization, symbolism, or suspense, listing a brief quote from the novella in the left column and providing your response in the right column.
1. In Part I of "Metamorphosis," the novella starts with Gregor Samsa waking up one morning to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect-like creature. He struggles to come to terms with his new condition and tries to adjust to his new body. Gregor's family, including his parents and sister Grete, are in shock and disbelief at first but gradually try to help him navigate his new life. However, Gregor becomes a burden on his family as his condition deteriorates, and they start distancing themselves emotionally from him.
In Part II, the transformation of Gregor causes a breakdown in the family dynamics. Gregor's father is unable to accept his son's condition and becomes increasingly violent towards him. Gregor's sister Grete, on the other hand, initially shows compassion and takes care of him. However, as time goes on, Grete begins to tire of the responsibilities and loses patience with Gregor. The family decides to employ three lodgers to help with their financial difficulties but keep Gregor hidden from them. Eventually, the lodgers discover Gregor, causing a further rift within the family. At the end of Part II, Gregor dies from a combination of neglect, starvation, and injuries inflicted by his father.
Events in Part I: Gregor's transformation, his family's initial shock and attempts to help him.
Events in Part II: The breakdown of family dynamics, increasing violence from Gregor's father, Grete's change in attitude, the discovery of Gregor by the lodgers, and Gregor's eventual death.
2. Dialectical Notebook Entry for "Metamorphosis":
Characterization:
"He lay on his armored back, and if he lifted his head a little, he could see his brown belly, slightly domed and divided by arches into stiff sections." (The physical description of Gregor's transformed body.)
Response: This vivid description of Gregor's insect-like form helps highlight the complete strangeness and alienation he feels in his new body. It emphasizes the physicality of his transformation and the barrier it creates between him and the world.
Symbolism:
"Gregor's eyes were especially drawn to the window, and during the first weeks he occupied himself with watching how the rain was drumming against the windowpanes" (Gregor's fascination with the rain).
Response: The rain symbolically represents Gregor's desire for freedom and his longing for the outside world, which he can no longer access. It signifies the isolation and confinement he experiences within his own home.
Suspense:
"One side of it was being rubbed into the floor, while the other side, tight to the ticking of the violent blows, was being shoved back by a number of little legs." (Gregor's father violently attacking him.)
Response: This scene creates suspense as the reader wonders how Gregor's father will react to his transformation. The violent actions suggest a potential danger and escalation in the family dynamics, increasing tension and anticipation for what will happen next.