The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Subject: English Literature, World Literature

Grade Level: 10-12 (due to mature themes and complexity)

Time Allotment: 3-4 weeks

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to analyze the symbolic meaning of Gregor Samsa's transformation into a vermin in "The Metamorphosis."
  • Students will be able to identify and interpret key literary devices used by Kafka, such as symbolism, alienation, and absurdity.
  • Students will be able to analyze the characters' motivations and the ways they respond to Gregor's transformation.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the themes of isolation, family dynamics, and the dehumanizing nature of modern life.
  • Students will be able to discuss the novel's contribution to the genre of absurdist literature and its exploration of existential themes.

Materials:

  • Copies of "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka
  • Whiteboard/Projector
  • Markers/Pens
  • Chart paper or handout for note-taking
  • Images depicting insects or alienation (optional)

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and Absurdity

  1. Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about absurdist literature. Elicit responses and discuss key characteristics (e.g., illogical situations, lack of meaning, sense of alienation).
  2. Kafka and Absurdity: Introduce Franz Kafka and "The Metamorphosis" as a prime example of absurdist literature. Briefly discuss the concept of alienation and the feeling of being disconnected from the world.

Week 2: Transformation and Symbolism

  1. Reading and Analyzing: Divide the novella into manageable sections. After each section, students engage in close reading activities, focusing on Gregor's transformation, character interactions, and the overall mood.
  2. The Vermin: Analyze the symbolic meaning of Gregor's transformation into a vermin. How does it reflect his feelings of isolation and powerlessness? Consider images depicting insects or alienation (optional).
  3. Alienation and Absurdity: Discuss how Kafka uses elements of absurdity to portray Gregor's situation. How do seemingly illogical events contribute to the overall themes of alienation and loss of identity?

Week 3: Family Dynamics

  1. Character Analysis: In small groups, students analyze the characters' reactions to Gregor's transformation, particularly his parents (Grete and Samsa) and sister (Grete). How do their motivations and actions change throughout the story?
  2. Shifting Relationships: Explore how Gregor's transformation strains his relationships with his family members. Discuss the themes of duty, compassion, and the limitations of love.

Week 4: Existential Themes and Legacy

  1. Thematic Exploration: Analyze the central themes of the novella: isolation, the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world, the dehumanizing nature of work and society, and the struggle for survival.
  2. Gregor's Decline: Discuss the symbolic significance of Gregor's physical decline and eventual death.
  3. Enduring Impact: Explore the enduring relevance of "The Metamorphosis." How does the novella connect to modern anxieties about alienation, technology, and the individual's place in society?

Optional Week (if time permits):

  1. Creative Response: Students can choose a creative response activity, such as writing a diary entry from a character's perspective (Gregor, Grete, Mr. Samsa), creating a piece of art that reflects Gregor's isolation, or writing a short story set in an absurdist world.
  2. Essay Writing: Students write an essay analyzing a specific symbol or theme in the novella and its significance. The essay should consider Kafka's use of absurdity, character development, and the symbolic meaning of Gregor's transformation to support their analysis.

Differentiation:

  • Provide pre-reading activities, chapter summaries, or audiobooks for struggling readers.
  • Offer extension activities for advanced readers, such as researching the historical context of Kafka's writing or comparing "The Metamorphosis" with other absurdist works.
  • Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., kinesthetic learners can act out a scene depicting Gregor's interactions with his family)

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions and group activities
  • Quality of notes, presentations, and creative responses (if applicable)
  • Analysis of symbolism and the use of absurdity in the novella
  • Essay writing (if applicable)

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the life and works of Franz Kafka and explore other works of absurdist literature.
  • Students can watch films that explore similar themes of alienation and existential dread.