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.
1 answer
The theme of mortality is developed through Granny Weatherall's contemplation of her impending death. She reflects on her life and the choices she has made, feeling both regret and acceptance. This theme is further emphasized through Granny's interactions with her children, who have come to see her in her final moments. The mention of the storm approaching and the flash of lightning also serve as symbols of the imminent end of Granny's life.
The theme of family relationships is also prominent in this excerpt. Granny's interactions with her children, particularly with Lydia and Jimmy, show a mix of love and tension. Despite her confusion and fading consciousness, Granny still reaches out to her family, clinging to Jimmy's thumb as a source of comfort. The presence of her children during her final moments highlights the importance of familial bonds and the support they provide in times of need.
Overall, Katherine Anne Porter develops these themes through Granny Weatherall's introspective thoughts, her interactions with her children, and the use of symbolism such as the storm and the rosary. Through these literary devices, the author explores the complexities of life, death, and family relationships in a poignant and evocative manner.