After defining the word "metamorphosis" , we focused on the characters' transformation first noting the irony in Gregor's parents' unabashed parasitic lifestyle given that it is their son who has been outwardly ,at least, transformed into a beetle. We then discussed the theme of alienation by first examining the dehumanizing effect of work in a modern society. In this regard, we reviewed Marcel's homework on this topic and made textual support additions to his analysis.Other symbols of separation and alienation, such as closed doors and the bedsheet covering Gregor from the sight of his family, were noted on the board. Class discussion further centered on Gregor's sister's removing all furniture from his room as a further attempt to dehumanize Gregor but which in reality only dehumanizes her due to her lack of empathy . Marcel offered ideas on why Gregor resists not the removal of his furniture but only the attempt to remove a photograph of a woman in a fur hat ,perhaps a symbol of comfort ,rationality, and normalcy. During the final segment of the session, we addressed Marcel's questions about his research essay on Charles Dickens as a social reformer of the Victorian criminal justice system. Homework-complete essay draft and bring to class tomorrow,