World Masterpieces 272 Name:_________________

Writing Assignment—Kafka’s The Metamorphosis

Due: Friday, May 26, 2006

Is Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich about the triumph of the self—the triumph of the individual over outside forces (controlling family, culture, life circumstances, etc.)?

Many readers would say that it is, that on his deathbed Ilyich finally sees “the truth” (sees outside of “the box”) and acts. Hence, at the end of his life, he triumphs.

Let’s ask the same question about Gregor Samsa in Kafka’s Metamorphosis.

Is Gregor Samsa’s metamorphosis a triumph of the self—a triumph of the individual?

In this writing assignment, please state and support your answer.

If Samsa does triumph, then over what or whom? How does he triumph? Why?

If Samsa does not triumph, then what forces defeat him? How does he fail? Why?