Amanda Covert, Madison Lokitis, Owen Webb, Jackson Young, Alex Lohn

Entry 1: Section I

1. Describe Gregor as a bug. List everything you can remember about Gregor’s physical
appearance. Gregor is described as “unrecognizable and hideous” and is monstrous and
wide with a flat and dry body. Brown, goopy pads, sectioned and sensitive belly, white
spotty area on the middle of his belly, broad, arched, elastic, hard as an armored plate
back, tiny weak legs, can not feel pain,

● What do we know about his personality (characterization) He is shown as a

hardworking man who makes the most money in his family and is the main
supporter in his family.
● How does the family treat Gregor and how do they respond now that he is a bug?
When Gregor comes out of his room his parents are unfazed by the fact that
he is a gigantic bug and they ask him why he isn’t at work. No one shows they
are scared of Gregor, they only see him as someone who is taking care of
them and not as an actual individual.
● Boss’ reaction to Gregor? Covers his mouth so he does not throw up and looks
at Gregor weirdly.
● Metaphorically speaking, briefly discuss how it is possible for a man to become a
bug or become bug-like. Consider the themes of the story in your response.
● It is possible for him to be a bug because he is isolated and has no one to love
him unconditionally. Gregor has lost the ability to communicate with people
because he has been isolated. These traits are similar to a bug's life. Themes -
change, loneliness, acceptance

2. Family Values

● Gregor's job? Traveling salesman

● Why does he work? He needs to pay off his parents’ debt, pay the bills, and pay
the rent
● Who else in the family works? Gregor’s father used to work but he retired,
Gregor’s sister Grete becomes a sales girl to help support her family. Before
she becomes a sales girl her job is to take care of Grego while he's a bug.
● What does this reveal about the family dynamic and how it works? This reveals
that his parents don’t really care a lot about Gregor and only care that he is
still able to support their family.

3. Discuss the significance of the picture of the woman hanging on Gregor’s wall.

● What does this picture and Gregor’s attitude towards it tell us about him as a person
(consider the meaning of his name)? He ripped a picture out of a magazine of a
random girl and spent 3 days making a hand carved frame for it. The picture
symbolizes the lack of love in Gregor's life and shows that Gregor has nothing
left to live for and he is lonely. His last name means “I am alone”. The woman
in the picture frame is fancy since she has money, status, and class. He has
none of these things and he's slowly trying to be as successful as her.