Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why do you think George jilted Granny? Why doesn't she speculate on his reasons? Has Granny really gotten over being jilted by George, as she claims?
- How does Porter's stream of consciousness technique affect our reading of the story? Does getting inside Granny's head allow us to relate to her more closely? Or are we alienated by some of her strange thoughts?
- What effect does an impartial narrator (who offers no judgment on the events or characters) have on the story?
- Do you find this story funny? How would you describe its humor?
- We don't learn all that much about the minor characters in this story. What purpose do they serve?
- How does Granny change in the course of the story? Does she change at all?
- Is the story's major focus on Granny's thoughts (and lack of focus on other elements like plot or setting) a strength or weakness of the story?
- What are we to make of the fact that Granny doesn't get a sign from God at the end of the story? Is this story a critique of religious belief?