Questions for Discussion/Review

Summer ReadingMetamorphosis – English 12

Metamorphosis & 1984 – English 12 Advanced

Metamorphosis• Consider Gregor as a person. What was life like for him before his

metamorphosis, at home and on the job?• Discuss the Samsa family and each person’s relationships with

Gregor.• What sort of changes do Gregor & his family endure after his

metamorphosis?• The book is an allegorical tale, meaning that events symbolize a

more general human condition in modern society. What does Gregor’s transformation represent? Explain.

• In what ways do the satisfactions of life as an insect differ from the satisfactions of life as a traveling salesman?

• Compare the role of the lodgers in the family with that of Gregor. Have they supplanted him? Why does Gregor’s father send them away?

• Is the story’s ending optimistic or pessimistic? Explain.

1984• What is important about the title?• What are the conflicts in the novel? What types of conflicts (physical, moral,

intellectual, emotional) are in this novel?• How does the author reveal character?• What are some themes? How do they relate to plot and characters?• Is Winston consistent in his actions? Is he a fully developed character?

Discuss.• What is the central/primary purpose of the story?• How essential is the setting? Could the story have taken place anywhere else

or in any other time?• What is the role of women in the text? Is love relevant? Are relationships

meaningful?• How does 1984 relate to current politics/society?• Discuss main characters’ philosophies about life, society, Big Brother, war, etc.

Test Format

Metamorphosis• Matching – Character ID• True/False• Multiple Choice• Essay – choice of 3

1984• Matching – Character ID• Matching – Character

philosophies• True/False• Multiple Choice• Essay – choice of 3

Essay Topics

Metamorphosis• Change in Grete’s attitude

toward Gregor• Stages in how Gregor’s

family takes care of him and his room

• Gregor’s belief vs. the truth about the family’s financial dependence on him

1984• Irony – examples in the

novel• Central conflict/illustrated

through characters• Roles/responsibilities of

social classes in Oceania