"The Jilting of Granny Weatherall" - Literary Analysis

“The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” by Katherine Anne Porter is written in omniscient limited point of view. The story takes place in Cornelia’s house, in Granny Weatherall’s bedroom. Granny is the protagonist and a developing character. Her daughter, Cornelia, and Doctor Harry play the roles of the static characters. The mood is quite sad as the reader can sense that something is wrong with Granny. In a conflict of man versus circumstance, Granny acknowledges that she would rather be in her own home, but her age and children refuse her independence. Denial plays a part in the theme of the story because Granny denies that she is even sick. She also denies that she misses George, although it is apparent that she still thinks of him. Another component to the theme would be wastefulness. Granny is sure to express that all of the fruit must be picked and none should be wasted. This signifies that sweet things in life should not be wasted, or forgotten.

This was quite a sad story and really reflects on life. Granny denies that she was sick or too old to care for herself, which happens to many elderly people. They want to remain independent as long as possible, although sometime people need to accept help from others. The emotions in the story bounced around a lot. Granny was initially angry at the doctor and her daughter for whispering while talking about her. Granny then became concerned with chores that needed to be completed “tomorrow.” She spent time reminiscing, and then complaining, and finally coming to face reality.

"The Catbird Seat" - Literary Analysis

“The Catbird Seat” by James Thurber is written in omniscient limited point of view. The story takes place between a Monday night and Wednesday morning. Erwin Martin is the story’s protagonist and in an ironic scheme, he plots against the antagonist, Mrs. Ulgine Barrows. The conflict between Barrows and Martin developed the first day they met. Martin feels like Barrows is emasculating him with her derogatory phrases. Thurber uses imagery while describing the sequence of events in which Martin and Barrows conflicted. For example, Martin gets back to the topic when he hears “a gavel rap…” in his mind (208). Repetition is used critically in recounting Martin’s daily routines to emphasize the monotony of it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. Martin is extremely clever in plotting against Barrows to make her look insane. The story carries a strong theme of weak men versus strong women in the workplace. I might have preferred the story to be written in first-person point of view to reveal a more intimate encounter, but it flows nicely.

"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" - Literary Analysis

"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" by Ernest Hemingway is written in omniscient limited point of view. The café symbolizes a place to come when someone is lonely. It is a clean, safe place for lonely people to visit. The protagonists in the story are the old man and the older waiter. The young, hurried waiter plays the role of the antagonist since he seems to have opposite opinions of the other men. The major conflict is between man and circumstance, in which the circumstance is loneliness. The old man is lonely because he lost his wife, and the older waiter lives alone and suffers from “insomnia.” The older waiter also believes that life is “nothing,” which appears to be a theme of the story.


I thought the story was well-written and easily relatable. If I ever feel lonely, I would prefer to be in a place that feels safe rather than sitting at home alone. I found the dialogue on p. 200 somewhat confusing, as the footer says that the same waiter may have spoken twice in a row. I am not sure that I agree with the “nothingness” of life. I believe that life is what you make of it, even if we all eventually end up alone.

"First Confession" - Literary Analysis

“First Confession” by Frank O’Connor is a story about Jackie, the protagonist and narrator. Jackie’s sister, Nora, plays the role of the antagonist. Jackie’s grandmother is another antagonist in the story, as well as being a static character. Conflicts are featured throughout the story, especially man vs. self. Jackie has conflicting opinions about attending confession. Confrontations also frequently emerge between Jackie and Nora. O’Connor illustrates the setting when Jackie enters the church. O’Connor writes a simile, “…the wind whistled outside so that the silence within seemed to crackle like ice under my feet” (38) that brings the image to life. Symbolism is revealed when the teacher uses the candle flame to demonstrate what hell would be like.

This story is about expressing your sins and realizing that it is alright to have terrible thoughts sometimes. However, it is important to control yourself and understand the consequences of your actions. I was somewhat surprised by the characterization of the priest. The priest sided with Jackie when discussing the situation that happened with Nora and the bread-knife, saying that someone would go after Nora someday.

"The Lottery" - Literary Analysis

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson takes place on June 27th. It is a clear and sunny summer morning and 300 townspeople gather in the square. The story is told in omniscient objective point of view. In the beginning, the children gather large piles of stones, which is reminiscent of what is to come. In a bit of irony, Mrs. Hutchinson is late to the “lottery” and says, “…wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes in the sink, now would you, Joe?” (3). Perhaps the fact that the Watson boy must draw for their family is symbolic because his father might have been the unlucky town member the previous year.

This story can be interpreted as being quite controversial. Mrs. Hutchinson is a developing character because she does not oppose the lottery until she is the person to draw the slip. Her attitude changes drastically from giggling to screaming disapproval. The vivid details throughout the story truly dramatize the shocking ending. The final conflict is man vs. society, when whoever draws the slip with the dark blotch on it is attacked by the entire town.

"I Stand Here Ironing" - Literary Analysis

"I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen, is written in first person point of view in the mother's perspective. The protagonist of the short story is her daughter, Emily. The narrator is dealing with a "man vs. himself" conflict. She is conflicted with her choices on how she raised her daughter, Emily. The climax of the story is when Emily wins the talent show and Olsen writes; "Now suddenly she was Somebody..." (55). Olsen depicts a somewhat dark and gloomy mood in the story while describing Emily's childhood. "She is more than this dress on the ironing board, helpless before the iron," (56) is a metaphor implying that Emily has developed into a young woman capable of more than her mother could have hoped for.


I feel quite a bit of remorse for Emily. Olsen uses vivid imagery to illustrate specific instances in which Emily was neglected emotionally. In one situation, Emily is being bullied at school and pleads to stay home, saying “Momma, you look sick. Momma, I feel sick. Momma, the teacher’s aren’t there today, they’re sick” (51). It is nearly heart-wrenching when the mother reveals that it is too late now to comfort Emily. One theme to the story could be that you should always cherish the time you have with your children. They grow up extremely fast, and in this situation, the mother felt as if her “wisdom came too late” (56).

A Doll's House - Acts II & III

Act II

The setting remains the same with subtle differences.  The reader can easily picture the house reminiscent of Christmas day and it seems that all the excitement has passed.

There is quite a bit of foreshadowing in the beginning of the act when Nora is speaking with the nurse.  It is also revealed that the nurse left her own child to raise Nora.  Nora believes that this was for the best.

Conflict arises again when Nora speaks to Helmer about Krogstad's position.  Torvald refuses to change his mind because of his wife.  His character is very dominant in the relationship.

Another conflict develops between Krogstad and Nora when he is served with his dismissal.  Krogstad is threatening and not allowing Nora to get out of the situation easily. 

Mrs. Linde serves as a good confidant for Nora to have.  Mrs. Linde is caring and wishes to help Nora with Krogstad. 

Act III

Again, the setting is very descriptive and easily to picture.  The reader knows that the party is going on upstairs as Mrs. Linde waits eagerly for Krogstad to arrive.

The tables seem to turn when it is revealed that Krogstad and Mrs. Linde used to be lovers.  Mrs. Linde had been in a loveless marriage and now it is obvious that her love was with Krogstad.  She had sacrificed her happiness to help her sick mother and two brothers.  Krogstad's character changes drastically and he releases Nora from the blackmailing.

However, Torvald also exposes his personality when he reads the initial letter from Krogstad.  Torvald is extremely concerned with reputations and is very selfish.  Torvald also says that he "ought to have foreseen it" (106) because of Nora's father's history.  He views Nora as his property and she had lied to him.  Once he discovers that Krogstad has returned the contract, it is like a switch is turned off.  Torvald is a little too quick to forgive Nora but she is already prepared to leave.

Nora's character developed extremely throughout the drama.  She went from a childish girl into a strong-willed, independent woman.  Nora handed her wedding ring back to Torvald and left with only what she came with.  Nora made great sacrifices for herself and her children because she felt that they would be better off raised by their nanny.