Reference no: EM132285975

Discussion Questions

Directions:Choose one (1) prompt from each of the two (2) sections below. All responses should be typed and double-spaced.Please use this document to record your responses.

Section1: Poetry and Connections (1/2-1 page)

1. Discuss the metaphor of grass in Whitman's "Song of Myself."

2. Discuss the theme of interconnectivity in "Song of Myself."

3. Discuss the theme of individuality in "Song of Myself."

4. Discuss the theme of unity in "Song of Myself."

5. Choose a theme from Kafka's Metamorphosis and connect it to Whitman's "Song of Myself." Quote from both works.

6. Discuss Dickenson's fascination with death. Quote from at least 2 poems.

7. Do you see any connections between Dickenson's poems and Whitman's "Song of Myself"? Pick one and elaborate. Quote from both Dickenson and Whitman.

8. How are Wordsworth's ideas in "The World Is Too Much With Us" represented in Kafka's Metamorphosis?

9. Choose any poem from this unit and write a brief explication. You may limit your discussion to one chapter of "Song of Myself" if you wish.

Section 2: Metamorphosis (1 ½ -2 pages)

1. Focus on Kafka's critique of the modern world in Metamorphosis. What is it? What does he have to say? What is the significance of the modern world reducing the day laborer to a cockroach?

2. Discuss Kafka's use of symbolism to critique the plight of the modern man in Metamorphosis.

3. Discuss the theme of humanity in Kafka's Metamorphosis. How does modern life strip the average man of his humanity according to Kafka? How does Kafka use Gregor's sister as a foil for this loss of humanity?

4. In Kafka's Metamorphosis, why an apple?

5. In Kafka's Metamorphosis, what does the alarm clock represent? How does Kafka use the alarm clock to symbolize the condition of the modern man?

6. Kafka was German. The word he uses to describe Gregor's condition, according to most versions, is translated as "cockroach." The German word "ungeziefer," however, literally means, ""small animals-specifically insects-an animal unfit for sacrifice." What do you make of that? How does that play into Kafka's overall theme?

7. Create your own prompt dealing with Metamorphosis.Here you will be assessed on both your prompt and your response.

Bonus

Choose any prompt from section 1 that you have not previously addressed and offer a brief responseor choose any poem from this unit and offer a brief explication (1/2 page).