Betrayal is the central theme portrayed throughout Katherine Anne Porters The Jilting of Granny Weatherall.

        The second loved one that betrays Granny Weatherall is John. John’s proposal saves Granny Weatherall from having to be a single parent raising a kid. Granny has a good life with John until he dies at a young age. This is a disappointment for Granny and she starts feeling sorry for herself because she has already been betrayed once before. The one man that Granny Weatherall thought would be there her whole life is now not a part of it. John leaves Granny Weatherall to do chores, raise the kids, and provide for her family all by herself.

        Also, Granny Weatherall is betrayed by two of her children, Hapsy and Cornelia. Hapsy, Granny’s favorite daughter, left her mother when she dies giving childbirth. Granny often has visions of Hapsy, but then Hapsy jilts her by disappearing. Granny Weatherall is ready to be greeted by Hapsy, and then when the vision of her goes away she feels betrayed. Cornelia, on the other hand, makes Granny Weatherall’s last days miserable. Cornelia talks over Granny Weatherall and whispers about her like Granny is deaf. Granny thinks she is somewhat being betrayed by Cornelia. Cornelia also treats Granny Weatherall like a child. Cornelia betrays her Mother’s feelings by doing what her Mother does not want her to do.

        Finally, Granny Weatherall is betraying herself. After being jilted by George, Granny goes out of her way to get over George. Granny Weatherall wants to show George how successful she has become. Granny Weatherall states,” Find him and be sure to tell him I forgot him. I want him to know I had my husband just the same and my children and my house like any other woman” (Porter 626). In all of the years that she tries to impress George, she could have been focusing more on her happiness with her family. Granny Weatherall betrays herself by not living life to the fullest because she is too worried about a guy that left her at the altar.

        In conclusion, Granny Weatherall is jilted throughout her life by loved ones like George, John, and her two children. Granny Weatherall has been betrayed by many during her lifetime. Each of these betrayals has made Granny Weatherall who she becomes.