Chapter: 04. A Strange Transformation
Answer Key
A. Answer these questions.
How did Gregor’s transformation affect his ability to perform simple actions like sleeping or moving? Gregor’s transformation severely impacted his ability to perform simple actions. He couldn’t sleep on his side as he usually did, constantly rolling back onto his hard, uncomfortable back. Moving out of bed was nearly impossible because his new wide body and uncontrollable, numerous thin legs prevented him from sitting upright or moving with coordination. What significant event happens just as Gregor finally manages to get out of bed? Just as Gregor finally manages to get out of bed, he lands on the carpet with a loud thud, and the manager, who has just been let into the apartment, hears the noise from the next room and comments, “Something has fallen in there.” Describe the initial reaction of Gregor to his transformation. Did he panic immediately? Gregor’s initial reaction was not immediate panic but rather a mix of disbelief, confusion, and then a surprising focus on practical, everyday concerns. He first wondered, “What’s happened to me?” and then quickly moved to thoughts about his job, oversleeping, and catching his train, trying to dismiss it as “foolishness.” What picture hung on Gregor’s wall, and what does it tell us about his past interests? A picture he had cut out of an illustrated magazine and set in a pretty frame hung on Gregor’s wall. It tells us that before his transformation, Gregor had some personal interests and a desire for beauty or comfort, taking the time to frame an image he liked, contrasting with his current grim reality. What was Gregor’s main financial concern, and how did his job relate to it? Gregor’s main financial concern was paying off his parents’ debt to his boss. His job as a traveling salesman was directly related to this, as he continued to work day in and day out despite his dislike for it, solely to earn the money needed to clear that debt. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“He lay on his armour-hard back and saw, as he lifted his head up a little, his brown, arched abdomen divided up into rigid bow-like sections.” a. What physical sensation would Gregor likely be feeling as he tried to lift his head in this position? He would likely be feeling strain, discomfort, and perhaps a strange, unaccustomed pressure on his new, hard back. b. What does the description “armour-hard back” suggest about Gregor’s new body? It suggests his new body is rigid, inflexible, and perhaps even alien or formidable, unlike the soft, pliable human body. c. How does this sentence immediately establish the central conflict of the story? It immediately establishes the central conflict by showing Gregor’s transformation into an insect and his struggle with his new, unwieldy body, setting up the struggle between his human mind and his non-human form. “A man must have his sleep. If I didn’t hold back for my parents’ sake, I would’ve quit ages ago.” a. What does Gregor mean by “A man must have his sleep”? Gregor means that adequate rest is essential for a person’s well-being and sanity, implying that his demanding job doesn’t allow him enough rest. b. What does this quote reveal about Gregor’s feelings towards his parents and his job? It reveals that Gregor feels deeply obligated to his parents, putting their financial security above his own desire for comfort and job satisfaction. It also shows his strong dislike for his job, which he would have left long ago if not for this duty. c. What future action does Gregor plan to take once his parents’ debt is paid? Once his parents’ debt is paid, Gregor plans to “make the big break,” meaning he intends to quit his job. a. What does this statement reveal about Gregor’s character, despite his transformation? It reveals that despite his physical transformation, Gregor retains his human sense of duty, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. He still feels compelled to be productive and avoid being a burden. b. What challenges does he immediately face in trying to act on this thought? He immediately faces the challenge of his new, uncooperative body: his unusual width, lack of human limbs, and inability to control his numerous small legs, which move in painful agitation. c. What feeling might Gregor be experiencing when he calls himself “useless”? He might be experiencing frustration, self-pity, and a profound sense of despair or helplessness as he grapples with his inability to perform even the most basic actions. C. Deeper Thinking / Personal Response
If you were Gregor’s family, how would you react upon discovering his transformation? Would your first instinct be fear, shock, or something else? Explain why. (Answers will vary, but should include reasoning.) A common first instinct would likely be shock and profound disbelief, as such a transformation is unimaginable. This would quickly be followed by fear – fear of the unknown, fear for Gregor’s well-being, and fear of how such an impossible situation could affect their own lives and reputations. There might also be a sense of horror or disgust due to the physical appearance of the “bug.” The story touches upon the idea of identity. How do you think Gregor’s identity changes (or doesn’t change) after his transformation, considering his thoughts and feelings? (Answers will vary.) While Gregor’s physical identity drastically changes, his internal, mental, and emotional identity initially remains remarkably human. He still thinks like Gregor Samsa, worries about his job, his family’s debt, and mundane human concerns. However, as his body limits his actions and communication, his identity might begin to shift towards feeling more isolated and alien, even to himself, as his human connections are severed. ‘A Strange Transformation’ is called a surreal story. Based on what you’ve read, why do you think this classification fits the chapter? What elements make it feel surreal? (Answers will vary.) The classification “surreal” fits because the story presents a bizarre, dream-like, and illogical event (a man turning into a bug) as if it were completely real and ordinary. Elements that make it feel surreal include: The impossible premise: The transformation itself is utterly impossible in reality. Lack of explanation: There’s no scientific or magical explanation given for Gregor’s change. It just happens. Ordinary reactions to extraordinary events: Gregor’s initial thoughts are about his job and sleep, rather than pure panic or questioning the laws of nature. Blending of reality and dream: The story reads like a nightmare that is undeniably real. Focus on internal experience: The narrative delves deep into Gregor’s subjective experience of this absurd reality. 
Answer key