The Jilting of Granny Weatherall Plot Summary
At the start of the story, Granny Weatherall, who is in her eighties, is lying in bed and being looked after by Dr. Harry and her adult daughter, Cornelia. Despite feeling annoyed by their care, it becomes clear that Granny is seriously ill and unaware of how serious her condition is. While reflecting on her thoughts, she becomes aware of death being close by and she wants to postpone it until she can resolve some unfinished matters.
Grany Weatherall’s main concern is a collection of letters in her attic. These letters include ones from her deceased husband, John, as well as from George, the man who rejected her sixty years ago. She plans on disposing of them the next day to prevent her children from discovering them and judging her. Throughout the day, Granny’s mind drifts in and out of awareness, and she becomes annoyed when she suspects Cornelia is gossiping about her behind her back.
Cornelia’s condescending behavior leads Granny to daydream about returning to her own home, where no one will remind her of her old age. With her father living until the age of 102, she hopes to live long enough to “irritate Cornelia a little.” She fondly recalls the past when her children were young and there was still work awaiting her. She imagines reuniting with John but fears he won’t recognize her in her older state. Years of arduous labor have taken a toll on Granny as she reflects, “Digging post holes transformed a woman.” Granny has endured sickness, the loss of her husband and child, physically demanding farm work, and caring for ill neighbors; yet somehow she has managed to maintain order in everything. She has skillfully “arranged the blueprint of life and tidied up loose ends.” Nevertheless, life hasn’t always unfolded according to Granny’s plans. Six decades ago, George was supposed to be her groom at their wedding ceremony; however, he never appeared. Despite attempting to bury the pain and humiliation of being left at the altar, this memory continues to resurface during Granny’s final moments.
Granny’s thoughts shift again, this time envisioning a scene where she discovers her deceased child, Hapsy. In the image, Hapsy holds a baby on her arm and Granny becomes Hapsy while Hapsy transforms into the baby. However, the image fades away and Hapsy approaches close by to say, “I thought you’d never come.” Granny then shifts her focus back to George. Ultimately, she decides that she wants to see him again to make sure he understands that he didn’t ruin her life; she was able to rebuild it. Granny found a loving husband and had children and a home “like any other woman.” Father Connolly arrives for the last rites but Granny doesn’t feel the need for his presence since she has already made peace with God long ago. As she senses her time is running out, she thinks about all the things she wants to share with her children as they bid their farewells. Thoughts of being reunited with Hapsy cross her mind and she wonders if it will happen. She asks God for a sign of love and acceptance but receives none. Feeling immense grief, Granny believes that just like George once did, God has rejected her too and ultimately passes away.
D. H. Lawrence’s the Horse Dealer’s Daughter: Summary & Analysis
In D. H. Lawrence’s “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter,” Mabel’s relationship with her brothers was distant, both emotionally and physically (195). Mabel Pervin, being plain and uninteresting, rarely displayed any emotions on her face. In contrast, her brothers were described as three attractive and articulate men. Despite Mabel’s independence in managing the household without a servant for a decade, she seemed to be under the control of her brothers, who showed little concern for anything (195).
Despite feeling secure about themselves, her brothers often made Mabel feel inferior. According to the author, they spoke at her and around her for so long that she stopped hearing them altogether. Her responses to their words were either neutral or non-existent. Instead of providing encouragement, they chose to tease her, possibly contributing to her insecurities. They mocked her about becoming a maid and criticized her appearance, referring to her as having a “bulldog” face. Unlike her energetic and talkative brothers, Mabel felt isolated, lacking any same-sex friends while they had numerous companions.
Sometimes it appeared that Mabel desired to escape her life. One place where Mabel felt safe and shielded from the world was at her mother’s grave. “There she always felt secure, as if no one could see her” (200). Mabel had a strong devotion to her deceased parents, particularly her mother. She was absent-minded yet persistent. At the gravesite, she experienced various emotions, feeling as if she was getting closer to her own glorification. She also became distant and focused. It seemed that she felt a connection with the world her mother had lived in. In contrast, her brothers had contrasting attitudes.
The Pervin brothers had chosen to forget their parents and suppress their emotions. They sought to leave the past behind and look towards the future. However, Mabel’s strong devotion resulted in a significant personal divide between her and her brothers. Mabel aspired to live a life similar to her mother’s, while her brothers had moved on with their own lives.
Luck Plot Summary
Lord Arthur Scoresby, a decorated English military hero, is portrayed as a complete idiot who manages to succeed in life solely due to fortunate circumstances.
During the Crimean War, Captain Scoresby is perceived as incompetent. However, his mistakes are mistaken as military brilliance, and his reputation grows with each blunder. The climax occurs when Scoresby confuses his right hand for his left and leads a charge in the incorrect direction. This surprises a Russian force, causing panic and a retreat of the Russian army, ultimately securing an Allied victory. Another perspective suggests that the Reverend is envious of Scoresby’s accomplishments.
The Reverend, having been an instructor at a military academy in the past, taught a young Scoresby. According to the Reverend, Scoresby was an inept student who managed to advance despite his mistakes. When the war started, the Reverend also joined but held a lower rank compared to his former student. The Reverend’s bitterness is evident throughout the story, which contradicts his role as a clergyman. The story portrays the “absolute fool” as not Scoresby, who achieved success in the military through his actions, but rather the Reverend, who failed to accomplish anything in his own life.
