Question being answered: Some critics believe that “The Metamorphosis” should be treated as a parable about what happens when one family member
suddenly becomes disabled and dependent because of sickness, age, or some other ailment. The story makes readers question family obligations. To what
degree do you think family members should sacrifice their own lives in order to care for loved ones who have become disabled? Does the Samsa family meet
their obligations?
Instructions:Write a thesis-driven essay. Your thesis is your answer to the question. In it, express your opinion; then argue it, supporting it by quoting from
“The Metamorphosis,” one piece of literary criticism or a critical essay or book chapter on “The Metamorphosis” written by a literary scholar (no Internet
sources or Wikipedia please), and one interdisciplinary source (psychology, economics, etc.) of your own choice. For the interdisciplinary source, I urge you to
search the CCSF databases, not the Internet. In fact, I urge you to avoid using the Internet to search for sources. Instead use the OneSearch function on the
CCSF library web page. OneSearch will search all the library holdings, including books and databases. Here’s the URL: https://library.ccsf.edu/ (Links to an
external site.) Draw heavily on “The Metamorphosis” itself. Consider the other two sources–the literary criticism and the interdisciplinary source–
supplemental. The research is mandatory. (Please view the video in this module about how to use the CCSF library to find sources for this essay.) Use three
sources, no more, no less.