Two themes that are clearly developed in this excerpt of "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall" are the themes of memory and mortality.
The theme of memory is evident as Granny Weatherall's thoughts drift back and forth between past and present. She remembers her jilting by George and her subsequent marriage to John. She also remembers her children, mistaking Lydia for Hapsy and thinking about her grandchildren. This theme is developed through Granny's disjointed thoughts and memories, as well as her confusion about the present moment. Additionally, the author uses sensory details such as the sound of birds singing and the feeling of the rosary in Granny's hands to evoke memories and create a sense of nostalgia.
The theme of mortality is also prominent in this excerpt as Granny Weatherall grapples with the realization of her impending death. She can hear thunder and feel the storm approaching, symbolizing the end of her life. Granny reflects on her life, her relationships, and her regrets, realizing that she is not ready to die. This theme is developed through Granny's internal struggles and the interactions with her children, who have come to see her on her deathbed. The author uses imagery of the storm approaching and Granny's thoughts about death to create a sense of tension and uncertainty about what lies ahead for Granny.
Overall, Katherine Anne Porter develops the themes of memory and mortality in "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall" through Granny Weatherall's reflections, interactions with her family, and the vivid imagery and sensory details in the text.
A)
Read the following excerpt from Katherine Anne Porter's "The Jilting of Granny Weatherail"
Comelia's voice staggered and jumped like a cart in a bad road. It rounded corners and turned back again and arnved nowhere. Granny stepped up in the cart very lightly and reached for the reins, but a man sat beside her and she knew him by his hands, driving the cart. She did not look in his face, for she knew without seeing, but looked instead down the road where the trees leaned over and bowed to each other and a thousand birds were singing a Mass. She felt like singing too, but she put her hand in the bosom of her dress and pulled out a rosary, and Father Connolly murmured Latin in a very solemn voice and tickled her feet. My God, will you stop that nonsense? I'm a marned woman What if he did run away and leave me to face the priest by
myself? I found another a whole world better, I wouldn't nave exchanged my husband for anybody except St. Michael himself, and you may tell him that for me with a thank you in the bargain
Light flashed on her closed eyelids, and a deep roaring shook her Cornelia, is that lightning? I hear thunder. There's going to be a storm. Close all the windows. Call the children in... "Mother, here we are, all of us." "Is that you Hapsy?" "Oh, no, I'm Lydia. We drove as fast as we could." Their faces drifted above her, drifted away The rosary fell out of her hands and Lydia put it back. Jimmy tred to help, their hands fumbled together, and granny closed two fingers around Jimmy's thumb. Beads wouldn't do, it must be something alive. She was so amazed her thoughts ran round and round. So, my dear Lord, this is my death and I wasn't even thinking about it. My children have come to see me die. But I can't, it's not time. Oh, I always hated surprises
Identify two themes that are clearly developed in this excerpt of "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall." How does the author develop the two themes over the course of this excerpt? Be sure to use specific details from the text to support your answer.
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