Question
Answer each question, citing text evidence.
1. Page 107: Explain how Kuper’s opening differs from Kafka’s. How does Kuper use visual elements to accomplish this? After you turn to the next page of the selection, explain how the change from this page to the next mimics waking up, as Gregor does.
2. Page 108: Revisit the first two paragraphs of the novella excerpt (lines 1–17). Then, look at the text and images on this page. How does Gregor’s reaction differ from his reaction in the beginning of the novella?
3. Page 108: Does Kuper do an effective job of depicting Gregor’s room as “a proper human room” that “lays peacefully between its four familiar walls”? Use details from the image to support your response. Is the room as peaceful as Kafka describes it, or does it create a different tone?
4. Page 109: What does Gregor’s thought in the thought balloon at the top of the page say about Gregor’s character? What can you infer about how Gregor deals with difficult issues in his life?
5. Page 109: Look at the different ways text is presented on this page. How can you tell the difference between information in Kuper’s general narrative description and what he attributes to Gregor? Explain what the narrative description on this page adds to your understanding of the story.
6. Page 110: Summarize what is happening on this page.
7. Page 110: Study this page, think about your summary, and state what theme the author may be trying to establish. Explain how the graphic elements contribute to this theme.
8. Page 111: What does the word predicament mean? Which clues on the page help you determine the meaning?
9. Page 111: How does this page support the theme you inferred on page 110? How does Kuper use graphic elements here to further support that theme?
10. Page 112: Focus on the word marched in the bottom panel. Why does Kuper choose that word instead of another option, such as walked or strolled? Explain how the word marched reflects Gregor’s feelings at this point. Explain what Kuper wants the reader to understand about Gregor in this panel.
Answer
1. Kuper's opening differs from Kafka's in that it is more visual, with images of Gregor's room and his transformation into a bug. Kuper uses visual elements to show the transformation, as well as to create a sense of confusion and disorientation, which mimics waking up, as Gregor does.
2. Gregor's reaction on page 108 is one of shock and disbelief, as he stares at his reflection in the mirror. This is different from his reaction in the beginning of the novella, where he is more resigned to his transformation.
3. Kuper does an effective job of depicting Gregor's room as "a proper human room" that "lays peacefully between its four familiar walls". The image shows a room with a bed, a dresser, and a mirror, all of which are familiar elements of a human room. The room does create a peaceful tone, as it is depicted in a calm, muted color palette.
4. Gregor's thought in the thought balloon at the top of the page reveals his inner struggle with his transformation. He is trying to come to terms with his new form and is questioning his identity. This shows that Gregor deals with difficult issues in his life by trying to understand them and come to terms with them.
5. Kuper uses different fonts and sizes to differentiate between the narrative description and what he attributes to Gregor. The narrative description is in a larger font and is more general, while the text attributed to Gregor is in a smaller font and is more specific. This adds to the reader's understanding of the story by providing more insight into Gregor's thoughts and feelings.
6. On page 110, Gregor is walking through the hallway of his family's apartment, trying to find a way to get back to his room. He is met with resistance from his family, who are trying to keep him away.
7. The