1a. What explanation for being in bed does Granny Weatherall give to the doctor?
2a. How had Granny Weatherall prepared herself for death when she was sixty years old?
3a. What does Granny Weatherall remember most about her first wedding day?
4a. Identify two times when Granny Weatherall was jilted. What do the two jiltings have in common? Which jilting is the hardest for her to take?
5a. To what degree do the past and future influence Granny Weatherall's thinking?
1b. What traits describe Granny Weatherall before she became ill?
2b. Why doesn't Granny Weatherall worry now about death?
3b. Why does Granny Weatherall mingle the thought of the bridegroom with the thought of losing her soul in hell?
4b. Why is Granny Weatherall an appropriate name for the character in this story?
5b. Compare the experiences of death of Granny Weatherall and the speaker in Emily Dickinson's "I heard a Fly buzz—when I died—" (Unit 4).
Irony. What are two major examples of irony of situation in this short story? How are the expectations of Granny Weatherall violated in each case?
Stream-of-Consciousness Writing. Complete the chart below. On the left, list examples of stream-of-consciousness in the story. On the right, explain what the examples mean. One example has been done for you.
Explanation
"It was Hapsy she really wanted. . . . They leaned forward to kiss. . . ."
1. Imagine you are Granny Weatherall. Write a will, stating what possessions you are leaving to family members and friends.
2. Write an imaginary dialogue between Granny Weatherall and George. Have Granny discuss her feelings at being jilted, and have George explain why he changed his mind about marrying her.
3. Imagine you are the young Granny Weatherall. Write a letter to George or John (one of the letters she doesn't want her children to find).
Precise Nouns. Rewrite the following sentences, replacing the vague nouns with precise nouns.
1. The children had left their toys on the porch.
2. Every fall, she lined the shelves with jars of food and spices.
3. Illnesses plagued the children throughout the horrible winter.
4. After finishing the chore, she came into the house and fixed dinner.
5. Years ago, the jilted bride was left behind with the vestiges of the day.
Obituary.Write an obituary for Granny Weatherall, including details that will communicate to your readers what was unique or characteristic about her, as well as facts about her life.
Literary Research. Investigate the reference section of your local library to find critical analyses of Katherine Anne Porter and her work, specifically of the story "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall." Ask your librarian for guidance. Use the Research Log below to record the sources you use and to take notes on the articles you find. Then, select one critical analysis and write a summary of it. You may also explain whether you agree or disagree with its author.
Notes on Katherine Anne Porter and "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall":
Sources Used:
