Plot Analysis for "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall"

1. Granny Weatherall dies

2. Exposition

2.1. Initial Equalibrium

2.1.1. Granny Weatherall is very sick and has to get checked on by Doctor Harry.

2.2. Characters

2.2.1. Granny Weatherall

2.2.2. Cornelia

2.2.3. John

2.2.4. George

2.2.5. Hapsy

2.2.6. Doctor Harry

2.2.7. Lidia

2.2.8. Jimmy

2.2.9. Father Connoly

2.2.10. Nurse

2.2.11. Sister Borgia

2.2.12. Granny's Father

2.3. Setting

2.3.1. Granny Weatherall's Bedroom

2.3.2. About 60 years, 1860's (Flashbacks) - 1920's (Present)

2.3.3. Granny's Conscience

2.4. Complication

2.4.1. Memories of George Leaving her

2.4.2. Her own conscience telling her to fight death or just let it takeover, and if she is worthy of going to heaven

3. Introduction

3.1. In the short story "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall," by Katherine Anne Porter, the protagonist Granny (Ellen) Weatherall is approaching death. She has flashbacks which show her strength as a woman, and doubts of love. Eventually she reaches the point where she finally gives in to god and dies.

4. Climax

5. Conflict

5.1. Man vs. Self

5.1.1. Granny vs. self (conscience)

5.2. Man vs. Nature

5.2.1. Granny vs. Death

5.3. Man vs. Man

5.3.1. Granny vs. George

5.3.2. Granny vs. God

5.3.3. Granny vs. Hapsy's Death

6. Resolution

6.1. Granny has died and the narrator gives a feeling of spiritual salvation. Also Granny shows her strength and independence as she does not reach out for help even on her death bed, which is ironic for women of this time.

7. Conclusion

7.1. Porter's "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall" is a great story that shows the perseverance of women. Granny is a strong woman of her time that has overcame obstacles, yet looks back on her past and has some doubt. According to Bruce French, "Granny deserves a certain respect. No doubt her neighbors respected her strength, her ability to go on with life after John's death, raising children and managing the farm." Eventually Granny is done battling life and dies on her bed.