What's the Meta? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Samsa

The story begins with Gregor waking from sleep to realise he has been transformed into a giant insect. The type of insect is not explicitly stated in the original German language book, and different English translations have used different terms over the years.

Answer: Die Verwandlung

"Die Verwandlung" was first published in 1915, in Leipzig. In the original, Gregor is described as becoming "Ungeziefer" which literally means "unclean" or "may not be sacrificed". This is the word that different translators have taken to be various kinds of insect in their own languages over the years.

Answer: Rolled up newspaper

At first, the family think Gregor has been taken ill in the night, and they can no longer understand what he says. When Gregor eventually manages to open his bedroom door, his parents, sister, and boss, are shocked at the sight of him and panic. His father grabs his cane, and a rolled up newspaper, and shoos Gregor back into his room.

Answer: Grete

Gregor's sister is still only in her mid-teens when the story takes place. She is a gifted violinist, and Gregor had saved up, and planned to pay for her to study at the Conservatory. Sadly, he never gets chance to tell her this as his transformation overtakes events.

Answer: Bread and milk

Gregor has always loved milk, but once he is transformed, it makes him feel sick. Later on, Grete brings him some scraps and rotting food, and he eats those with gusto.

Answer: A painting

The painting on the wall is of a woman dressed in fur mittens and a cap, and Gregor tries desperately to stop his mother removing it. When he runs up the wall, she faints from shock.

Answer: An apple

During the incident when Gregor's mother was trying to remove his painting, Gregor's father came home and thought Gregor had attacked his mother. He throws the apple, which actually lodges in Gregor's carapace or shell, on his back, and causes him great pain.

Answer: True

Gregor was the breadwinner for his family, so when he cannot work any more they are soon in dire straits financially. The family take in lodgers, but when they catch sight of Gregor, they leave, without paying their rent. Gregor overhears the family talking about how they would be better off without him, returns to his room, and quietly dies.

Answer: Find a husband for his sister

Once Gregor is no longer around, the family realise they are better off than they thought they were, financially. They make plans to move to a nicer home, and, since Grete is no longer tasked with caring for Gregor, they will find her a husband.

Answer: Robert Crumb

The book is also sometimes referred to as "R. Crumb's Kafka", and cartoonist Crumb included a cartoon strip retelling of "The Metamorphosis" in it.
There is also a graphic novel of the story, published in 2003, and written by Peter Kuper.