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Granny Weatherall Symbolism Essay

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The term jilted means to drop impulsively or without feeling. Granny Weatherall’s memories, of being jilted by George, are directly preceded by statements which are symbolizing her children, first being young, and dependent on Weatherall, then coming into the age of being more independent of her. Porter states, “Lighting the lamps had been beautiful. The children huddled up to her and breathed like little calves waiting at the bars in the twilight. Their eyes followed the match and watched the flame rise and settle in a blue curve, then they moved away from her. The lamp was lit, they didn’t have to be scared and hang on to mother any more. Never, never, never more.” The blue light is also symbolic of life and how time turns. Granny Weatherall’s …show more content…

She is in denial of her own impending death. Granny Weatherall finds all the fuss over her maddening, and views Cornelia as an annoyance. Porter states, “Cornelia was dutiful; that was the trouble with her. Dutiful and good: “So good and dutiful,” said Granny, “that I’d like to spank her.” She saw herself spanking Cornelia and making a fine job of it.” Granny Weatherall is certain that she does not need the doctor, and regards him as being a child. Again, the symbolism of being wasteful is referenced in her feelings toward the doctor. Porter states, “She flicked her wrist neatly out of Doctor Harry’s pudgy careful fingers and pulled the sheet up to her chin. The brat ought to be in knee breeches…“Get along and doctor your sick,” said Granny Weatherall. “Leave a well woman alone. I’ll call for you when I want you…Where were you forty years ago when I pulled through milk-leg and double pneumonia? You weren’t even born. Don’t let Cornelia lead you on,” she shouted, because Doctor Harry appeared to float up to the ceiling and out. “I pay my own bills, and I don’t throw my money away on nonsense!” Granny Weatherall sees wasted money, on a doctor which she does not need, in the same light as any other

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