1. EWRT 1C Class 29
The Short Story

2. AGENDA
 Short Story Discussion: “The Metamorphosis”
 Questions
 QHQ
 Potential Theoretical Approaches

3. Summary Chapter
Three
The final chapter of The Metamorphosis
commences with a pitiful description of the
wounded Gregor. For over a month,
Gregor has limped about, dragging his
insect body around the scarce space of his
cramped room, trying to disregard the
rotting apple, still undeniably and painfully
embedded into his back. The only
consolation is the fact that Gregor’s family
is no longer afraid of him due to his weak
condition. So, Gregor is allowed a view
into the living room where he can watch his
family and think of the life he could have
lived.

4. Group Discussion

5. Questions for Thought
 Discuss the three bearded lodgers. What is their
purpose in the story?

 It is clear from the outset of Part 3 that Gregor is dying.
How much of his physical decline is his own doing, and
how much of it is caused by outside factors?

 Contrast Gregor’s state of mind at the beginning of this
section to right before his death. What incidents or
events cause a change in Gregor’s attitude and
thinking? Are Gregor’s thoughts rational and clear, or
are they blurred and irrational?

6. Potential Theoretical Approaches
New Criticism
Psychoanalytic
Theory
Feminist Theory