Ultimately, what do you think Gregor’s metamorphosis means? What does it mean to be transformed into a giant bug?
I think Gregor’s metamorphosis means a breadwinner who has lost the capacity to earn money by accident. Transformed into a giant bug means Gregor lost his job and lost the dignity and love from his family. A bug represents disgusting, awful, and terrible.
Explain your understanding of Gregor’s death. How/why does he ultimately die?
Gregor’s death is suicide because he doesn’t want to be the burden of his family. He feels guilty and shame for transforming a bug after hearing his sister said: “We must get rid of it. He would have left of his own will.” For his family, they are tired to take care of this giant bug. Gregor is not a member of his family but a burden that couldn’t benefit the family. Also, Gregor might doesn’t think he could be transformed be into a human again, so he decided to die to release his family.
I’m particularly interested in your explanation of Gregor’s death and your suggestion that he chooses death, in part, because he feels so much guilt and shame about how his transformation has burdened the family. There is a lot to think about here!