Argumentative Essay on Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Instructions:
Examine Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis NOT in terms of Gregor Samsa’s metamorphosis into a bug, but by focusing on a metamorphosis of one or more of the other family members (his sister, his mother, and his father; conversely, you could write about the metamorphosis of the family as a whole). What is the nature of the metamorphosis you have chosen to write about, and how does it reflect on the character’s or family’s life before Gregor’s change into a bug.
This is an argumentative essay. Not a descriptive or expository essay. It should be assumed that the reader has already read Metamorphosis; thus, a description or review of the story itself is not required. Rather, it should begin arguing a point that is not obvious.
1) the first paragraph should put forward a central argumentative point in the form of a thesis statement;
The argument can’t simply state something obvious. It can’t say that X symbolizes Y (for example). It must argue a point and make a claim. An example given for an argumentative thesis is:
The ____________ displayed is a direct result of _______________ because _______________.
2) the first paragraph should include a roadmap for the essay itself:
3) body paragraphs should argue in support of premises that work to reinforce your central argumentative claim;
4) EACH of the body paragraphs should include direct quotations from Metamorphosis and they are to be analyzed to show how they reinforce the argumentative claims you are making;
5) there should be no other references or citations. They should only come from the short story itself. The formatting should be MLA style.
