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A Comparison and Contrast of Ellen Weatherall and Emily Grierson

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A Comparison and Contrast of Ellen Weatherall and Emily Grierson
A Comparison and Contrast of Ellen Weatherall and Emily Grierson

There are many great works of literature that can be compared and contrasted due to their vast similarities, yet strikingly differences. Katherine Anne Porter 's “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” and William Faulkner 's “A Rose for Emily” can also be compared and contrasted. There are many characteristics to each story that are similar to each other including the subject, setting, and year of publication, but what makes each story differ greatly are the main characters. Ellen Weatherall from “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” and Emily Grierson from “A Rose for Emily” have similar, yet different personalities which allow them to handle their similar situations differently.

Ellen Weatherall and Emily Grierson are two vastly different women. Although both women are old, from the south, and very strong minded and stubborn individuals, each woman’s personality is unique. Ellen Weatherall came from the lower class, and she is a hard worker. She even recalls on how she once fenced in one hundred acres on farm. Emily Grierson however came from a wealthy family and never had to work a day in her life. Ellen Weatherall is sociable and often witty. Even on her death bed she jokes with the people around her. Emily Grierson is far from sociable. Emily secludes herself in her home, and is estranged by the people in her town. In fact, for many years, the only person that was allowed in her house was her servant Toby. Ellen Weatherall prides herself on keeping a clean house whereas Emily Grierson’s house is rundown. Emily is even known throughout the town and pitied upon because of a rancid smell protruding from her house.

Each woman clearly has a different personality which helps them to react differently to similar situations. Both women are faced with a death in the family, but their reactions are completely dissimilar. When Ellen Weatherall’s husband dies, she is able to overcome the

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