Short Fiction: A Study of Genre

Lesson 1
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 4

11th Grade

Lesson 1 of 15

Objective


Define “absurdism” and identify and analyze elements of the absurd in the text.

Identify the author’s tone in the opening pages.

Readings and Materials


Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the narrator’s tone in the opening pages of the text? 

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

What function does the third paragraph serve in the chapter as a whole?

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Writing Prompt

Describe the choices Kafka makes in pp. 7–11 that reveal The Metamorphosis as an absurdist novella. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • For discussion or writing prior to the lesson: What does it mean to be human? What 
  • distinguishes humans from other species in your opinion?
  • What is absurdism? When did it arise and why? What are some of the defining attributes of the genre?
  • According to the narrator, what does Gregor Samsa discover when he wakes up? 
  • Describe the setting.
  • How might you react in this situation? How does the narrator describe Gregor’s reaction to his new situation on p. 7? What is surprising about his reaction? 
  • Track the author’s characterization of Gregor on pp. 7–11. Note both physical characteristics and personality.
  • What is the narrator’s tone? 
  • What is the impact of the author’s decision to juxtapose the tone and plot? How does it help reveal the absurdist genre of the novel?
  • Why do Gregor’s worries about work seem absurd? How else is the author using Gregor’s thoughts to develop the absurdity?
  • Who arrives on p. 11? What does Gregor’s reaction to his arrival reveal about Gregor’s work life?

Notes


As part of the “What does it mean to be human?” discussion, the teacher could choose to share a dictionary definition of the word “human” and expand from there as students consider how the various fiction writers they will read expand upon this very basic definition.

Consider posting a photo of a cockroach or dung beetle to help students develop an image of Gregor’s appearance.

Absurdism and modernism are closely related. As the teacher, you can choose to explain both or identify your focus as one or the other. The key elements of absurdism present in the novel are: 

  • Incongruity: setting, plot, and characters are out of step with each other
  • Sense of chaos
  • Mysteries that never get resolved

Students should be asked to look for evidence of these elements throughout the story.

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 2

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free