The Metamorphosis tells the story of salesman Gregor Samsa, who wakes to find himself inexplicably transformed into a huge insect.
Reading and Writing Workshop
General Instructions:
Begin by reading the novel either in groups or as a class. If group reading the novel, divide it into sections and assign each group a section. As groups, they will read their section, write a summary of each chapter, and then each group reports on their chapters. As students read, they should complete the Novel Study Guide and/or the Historical Thinking Guide. After reading and reporting on the entire novel, the workshop might consist of a single session or more. The goal is to engage participants in an exploration of life through writing exercises that foster a deeper understanding of concepts such as conflict, and resilience.
Overview
This workshop uses Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis to scaffold the essential AP Literature reading and writing skills. Students move from close reading and annotation to thematic analysis, prose analysis essays (FRQ 2), literary argument essays (FRQ 3), comparative connections, revision, and timed writing.
Session 1: Entering Kafka’s World – Close Reading & Annotation
Objective: Practice annotation for AP Lit by examining diction, syntax, and narrative perspective.
Excerpt (Document 1):
“As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.”
— Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis, Part I
Project Gutenberg
Activities:
Objective: Move from annotation to thematic analysis of alienation and shifting family roles.
Excerpt (Document 2):
“They were constantly passing food into Gregor’s room, which he barely touched. He often lay for hours without moving, only staring at the window.”
— Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis, Part II
Project Gutenberg
Activities:
Objective: Practice FRQ 2 essay structure (thesis, evidence, commentary).
Excerpt (Document 3):
“He thought back on his family with tenderness and love. His conviction that he had to disappear was, if possible, even firmer than his sister’s. In this state of empty and peaceful reflection, he died.”
— Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis, Part III
Project Gutenberg
Activities:
Objective: Connect The Metamorphosis to other AP Lit works.
Comparative Excerpts (Documents 4 & 5):
Objective: Strengthen commentary and style.
Activities:
Objective: Simulate AP exam conditions and build writing stamina.
Excerpt (Document 6):
“Gregor’s body was completely flat and dry, and could be swept away with a broom.”
— Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis, Part III
Project Gutenberg
Activities:
General Instructions:
Begin by reading the novel either in groups or as a class. If group reading the novel, divide it into sections and assign each group a section. As groups, they will read their section, write a summary of each chapter, and then each group reports on their chapters. As students read, they should complete the Novel Study Guide and/or the Historical Thinking Guide. After reading and reporting on the entire novel, the workshop might consist of a single session or more. The goal is to engage participants in an exploration of life through writing exercises that foster a deeper understanding of concepts such as conflict, and resilience.
Overview
This workshop uses Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis to scaffold the essential AP Literature reading and writing skills. Students move from close reading and annotation to thematic analysis, prose analysis essays (FRQ 2), literary argument essays (FRQ 3), comparative connections, revision, and timed writing.
Session 1: Entering Kafka’s World – Close Reading & Annotation
Objective: Practice annotation for AP Lit by examining diction, syntax, and narrative perspective.
Excerpt (Document 1):
“As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.”
— Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis, Part I
Project Gutenberg
Activities:
- Annotate the opening sentence for tone, syntax, and immediate effect.
- Discuss how Kafka introduces alienation from the first line.
- Quickwrite: How does Kafka’s narrative voice shape your initial perception of Gregor?
Objective: Move from annotation to thematic analysis of alienation and shifting family roles.
Excerpt (Document 2):
“They were constantly passing food into Gregor’s room, which he barely touched. He often lay for hours without moving, only staring at the window.”
— Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis, Part II
Project Gutenberg
Activities:
- Socratic discussion: Is Gregor’s alienation personal or social?
- Identify motifs (food, work, doors) as symbols of transformation.
- Analytical Paragraph: Explain how one motif deepens the theme of alienation.
Objective: Practice FRQ 2 essay structure (thesis, evidence, commentary).
Excerpt (Document 3):
“He thought back on his family with tenderness and love. His conviction that he had to disappear was, if possible, even firmer than his sister’s. In this state of empty and peaceful reflection, he died.”
— Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis, Part III
Project Gutenberg
Activities:
- Model thesis writing for prose analysis.
- Guided outline → draft → timed writing.
- Writing Task: FRQ 2 essay analyzing how Kafka uses imagery and tone to shape meaning in Gregor’s death scene.
Objective: Connect The Metamorphosis to other AP Lit works.
Comparative Excerpts (Documents 4 & 5):
- Camus, The Stranger: “Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday; I can’t be sure.”
Project Gutenberg Australia - Sophocles, Oedipus Rex: “I must reveal the truth, no matter how unbearable.”
Perseus Digital Library
- Comparative chart: Gregor, Meursault, Oedipus → responses to fate/absurdity/identity.
- Writing Task: FRQ 3 essay—compare alienation in The Metamorphosis with another studied work.
Objective: Strengthen commentary and style.
Activities:
- Mini-lesson: Commentary vs. summary.
- Peer review using AP rubric (thesis, evidence, commentary, sophistication).
- Writing Task: Revise FRQ 2 or FRQ 3 essay for commentary depth and sophistication.
Objective: Simulate AP exam conditions and build writing stamina.
Excerpt (Document 6):
“Gregor’s body was completely flat and dry, and could be swept away with a broom.”
— Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis, Part III
Project Gutenberg
Activities:
- 45-minute prose analysis essay.
- Self-score with AP rubric.
- Reflect and set goals for improvement.
- Annotated text excerpts
- One analytical paragraph (motif analysis)
- One FRQ 2 essay (Gregor’s death passage)
- One FRQ 3 comparative essay
- Peer-reviewed and revised essay
- One timed practice essay