Reference no: EM133375201
Read the following story and answer the questions below it in full detail, using evidence from the text:
A Little Fable by Franz Kafka
"Alas," said the mouse, "the whole world is growing smaller every day. At the beginning it was so big that I was afraid, I kept running and
running, and I was glad when I saw walls far away to the right and left, but these long walls have narrowed so quickly that I am in the
last chamber already, and there in the corner stands the trap that I must run into."
"You only need to change your direction," said the cat, and ate it up.
Questions:
What genre is this written in? Explain why Kafka would choose this form for this story.
Explore possible themes of this tale. What might Kafka be saying about life? Consider this question in terms of 'philosophies' or 'ways of
life' that he may be touching on.
Discuss the use of irony in this story.
Make a list of the unique stylistic features that Kafka uses for this story. How might they underscore the theme of this work?
Consider the creativity of Kafka's work. Is it creative? Why or why not? Consider other ways in which he could have made it more
'creative' in your eyes.
Consider the following symbols: the mouse, the cat, walls, the mousetrap Examine the mood and imagery in this story.