Two themes that are clearly developed in this excerpt are mortality and the passage of time.
The theme of mortality is evident as Granny Weatherall reflects on her impending death. She experiences confusion and disorientation, symbolized by the cart on a bad road and the man driving it. This confusion is further emphasized by her thoughts jumping from one topic to another, such as her marriage and her children coming to see her die. The mention of the storm approaching also serves as a metaphor for the looming end of Granny's life. The author develops this theme through Granny's contemplation of death, her realization that it is her time, and her struggle to come to terms with this final chapter of her life.
The theme of the passage of time is also prominent in this excerpt. Granny Weatherall's thoughts drift between past memories and her present situation, reflecting on her past jilting and her children coming to see her in her final moments. The mention of the rosary and the recitation of Latin by Father Connolly also suggest the passage of time and Granny's Catholic upbringing. The author develops this theme through Granny's recollections of the past, her interactions with her children, and her realization that her time on earth is coming to an end. Overall, the author uses Granny Weatherall's reflections and experiences to explore the themes of mortality and the passage of time in a poignant and reflective manner.
Read the following excerpt from Katherine Anne Porter's "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall"
Cornelia's voice staggered and jumped like a cart in a bad road. It rounded corners and turned back again and arrived 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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