We completed our study of Kafka's "Metamorphosis" by my first placing on the board characteristics of Kafka's existentialism. We then discussed examples from the story illustrating the theme of alienation -closed doors and inability to communicate. Next, we delved into the change in Gregor's family's treatment of Gregor who has become to them, repulsive. Marcel offered good examples from the story, and I placed his comments on the board under the category of a "metamorphosis" but ironically not of Gregor who we noted becomes more human or humane as his family becomes more cruel. We further located textual examples of the family's treatment of Gregor as a thing or animal .For example, upon his death, Gregor gets thrown into the trash. I noted how Gregor's harsh treatment fits into Kafka's existentialist view that includes elements of persecution . We then distinguished Kafka's brand of existentialism by discussing whether Gregor 's transformation into a beetle is a punishment for his failure to act or exercise his free will as Sartre of Camus might have argued. Marcel took good notes on these topics during class. For homework for Wednesday -study for final test on "Metamorphosis ".