In every life, good or bad, the outcome is inevitable – death. While death occurs in many manners, old age is typically viewed as the normal way to die. Nonetheless, dying of old age is a lingering process, adversely effecting people physically and mentally. Besides witnessing loved ones deteriorate being undoubtedly heartbreaking, one begins to wonder how the dying may feel or think. In “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” by Katherine Porter, the reader learns the story of Ellen “Granny” Weatherall reaching the last stages of her life, with family gathered around and memories flowing through her mind. Rather than from the dying person’s side, stories about death are usually told through the eyes of a witness. Yet, Porter’s story stands out
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As the narrator ponders Granny’s memories, the reader learns that she was jilted for the first time on what would have been her wedding day, had her fiancé ever arrived. Remembering her heartbreak, Granny attempts to reassure and motivate herself to stay strong, saying “don’t let your wounded vanity get the upper hand. . .plenty of girls get jilted” (79). Since Granny’s memories revolved around her jilting, the reader can sense another similar occurrence. Indeed, Granny was jilted again realizing death was upon her, even though she tried so hard to deny it. The reader sympathizing with Granny is certain because no one deserves to feel tricked, deceived, or rejected and imagining a loved one who is dying feeling jilted is almost unbearable. Ironically, Granny is seen attempting to jilt her fate, continually rejecting death, crying, “My children have come to see me die. But I can’t, its not my time” (82). Nonetheless, try as one might, death cannot be …show more content…
Continuously remembering the lamps, Granny says “lighting the lamps had been beautiful” (79). The fond memories Granny has involving the lamp momentarily relieve, or distract, the bitterness she faced from being jilting. Also, the lamp symbolizes how beautiful Granny’s life was before her sickness; prompting readers to reflect brightly on deceased loved one’s lives to help ease the pain of his/her loss. In the last line of story, however, the reader can see how the beautiful lamps symbolized Granny’s life. Essentially, the memories about the lamps were the light of her life – bringing her joy and comfort – and as Granny becomes closer to death, she finally accepts her fate. “She stretched herself with a deep breath and blew out the light” (82), and the reader knows Granny is
As the narrator ponders Granny’s memories, the reader learns that she was jilted for the first time on what would have been her wedding day, had her fiancé ever arrived. Remembering her heartbreak, Granny attempts to reassure and motivate herself to stay strong, saying “don’t let your wounded vanity get the upper hand. . .plenty of girls get jilted” (79). Since Granny’s memories revolved around her jilting, the reader can sense another similar occurrence. Indeed, Granny was jilted again realizing death was upon her, even though she tried so hard to deny it. The reader sympathizing with Granny is certain because no one deserves to feel tricked, deceived, or rejected and imagining a loved one who is dying feeling jilted is almost unbearable. Ironically, Granny is seen attempting to jilt her fate, continually rejecting death, crying, “My children have come to see me die. But I can’t, its not my time” (82). Nonetheless, try as one might, death cannot be …show more content…
Continuously remembering the lamps, Granny says “lighting the lamps had been beautiful” (79). The fond memories Granny has involving the lamp momentarily relieve, or distract, the bitterness she faced from being jilting. Also, the lamp symbolizes how beautiful Granny’s life was before her sickness; prompting readers to reflect brightly on deceased loved one’s lives to help ease the pain of his/her loss. In the last line of story, however, the reader can see how the beautiful lamps symbolized Granny’s life. Essentially, the memories about the lamps were the light of her life – bringing her joy and comfort – and as Granny becomes closer to death, she finally accepts her fate. “She stretched herself with a deep breath and blew out the light” (82), and the reader knows Granny is