Short Fiction: A Study of Genre

Lesson 5
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 4

11th Grade

Lesson 5 of 15

Objective


Analyze how the director of the film interprets Kafka’s novella.

Explain verbally and in writing how Kafka uses the elements of absurdism to develop his message about humanity.

Readings and Materials


Fishtank Plus

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

Target Task


Writing Prompt

Write an essay in which you explain how Franz Kafka addresses the question of what it means to be human in his novella, The Metamorphosis. In your essay, analyze how Kafka uses the genre of his story to strengthen the development of his message about humanity. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the novella. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with Kafka, but rather explain how Kafka develops his message.

Key Questions


  • Film: How is the director’s interpretation of the “source text” different than our own? How does the director’s choice to have Gregor only think he is a bug impact the meaning? Does your view of the Gregor change? Your view of the family’s treatment of Gregor? Why? Given the impact on you, the viewer, how successful would you say the director was at using his particular genre to impact your thoughts about what it means to be human? Explain.
  • Film and text: How does the filmmaker’s interpretation of Kafka’s source text impact or deepen your understanding of the original text? Explain.
  • In the end, what are Kafka’s messages about humanity? What is he saying about what is important, inevitable, horrifying, etc. about being human? Defend your answer with evidence.

Notes


  • The topics of today’s lesson lend themselves well to discussion. Students should be encouraged to discuss the key question of the unit in class or in groups.
  • After discussion, students should be required to craft a short essay synthesizing in writing their understanding of Kafka’s techniques and message.
  • The film clips are from the film Metamorphosis, directed by Chris Swanton. The full film is available on Amazon.
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 4

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 6

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