The Metamorphosis Lesson Plan

Why might Gregor feel so protective of his framed picture of the woman in fur, and so adamant that his sister and mother not remove it from his room? What does the picture represent for Gregor?

Gregor's panicked protection of the framed picture of the woman in fur occurs after his mother and sister have removed all of the other furniture from his bedroom: "They were clearing his room out; taking away everything he loved..." As Grete and Mrs. Samsa struggle to empty Gregor's room of furniture, he regards the pieces and reflects upon what they've meant in his life. These objects tie Gregor to his humanity, as reminders of his human life. To be left in an empty room so as to...