1. in The Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka
Existentialism
in The Metamorphosis
By Franz Kafka

2. Existential Precepts The universe is indifferent
No one cares
!!!
Individuals have complete freedom of choice
Those choices have consequences
Human existence cannot be explained
Why am I here? = Who knows?
Individual isolation is a fact of life
Truth is determined by personal convictions (No Golden Rule, No Ten Commandments, etc.)

3. Questions that point toward the Existentialist Reading
In the course of the story, what choices does Gregor make?
What are the consequences of those choices?
Beyond Gregor, which of the other characters is transformed in the course of the story?
What defines the nature of the relationships in the family?
As you finish reading, ponder the point of Gregor’s existence (think both positively and realistically here).

4. Themes/Symbols Recurrence of #3 Gregor’s room as a symbol…
Consider the progressive changes
Furnishings
Cleaning
“Closet” / storage room for discarded items
The apartment as a symbol…
Work as a symbol…
Does the story have a moral?
What else?